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CONNECTICUT 

HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, 

CONTAINING A 
GENERAL COLLECTION OF INTERESTING FACTS, TRADITIONS, 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, ANECDOTES, &c. 

RELATING TO THE 

HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES 

OF 

EVERY TOWN IN CONNECTICUT, 

WITH 

GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTIONS. 

ILLUSTRATED BY 190 ENGRAVINGS. 



BY JOHN WARNER BARBER. 



SECOND EDITION, 



[The Seal of the State of Connecticut.] 







NEW II A V E N : 

PUBLISHED BY 

DURRIE & PECK and J. W. BARBER, 

Price— Three dollars. 



PRINTED BY 11. L. IIAMLEN. 



in ,„e CtalA office, of the DislriclCo™ o.Connecuc,,. 






PREFACE. 



The power by which we recall past scenes, the rapidity with which they are brought 
in review before us, the faculty by which we can " range o'er creation," and dwell 
upon the past and future, demonstrates that man was indeed formed in the image of 
his Creator, and destined for immortality. By the contemplation of the past, we feel 
our span of existence extended : we enter into the thoughts, hopes, and aspirations of 
generations before us, and in such moments hold communion with the departed spirits 
of antiquity. 

Every thing relating to the history of the " Pilgrim Fathers," is worthy of preser- 
vation. " The Puritans," says a writer in no wise partial to them, " were the most 

remarkable body of men, perhaps, which the world has ever produced They 

were men whose minds had derived a peculiar character from the daily contemplation 
of superior beings and eternal interests. Not content with acknowledging in general 
terms an over ruling providence, they habitually ascribed every event to the will of 
the Great Being, for whose power nothing was too vast, for whose inspection nothing 
was too minute. To know him, to serve him, to enjoy him, was with them the great 
end of existence. They rejected with contempt, the ceremonious homage which 

other sects substituted for the homage of the soul On the rich and the eloquent, 

on nobles and priests, they looked down with contempt : for they esteemed themselves 
rich in a more precious treasure, and eloquent in a more sublime language ; nobles 
by the right of an earlier creation, and priests by the imposition of a mightier hand !" 
These were the men to whom the world owes the preservation of civil and religious 
liberty, their enemies being judges; and it was men of this stamp that were the fa- 
thers of Connecticut. 

Though small in territorial extent and population, Connecticut is second to none of 
her sister states in the virtue, genius and enterprise of her sons. Considering the 
amount of her population, she has furnished a large proportion of distinguished men 
in almost every department of life, and some of the most powerful states in this Union 
are largely indebted to her for the elements of their greatness and prosperity. 

The early history of Connecticut, in its various parts, has been ably written by Dr. 
Trumbull, the venerable historian of his native state. To this work the author is 
deeply indebted, as he is also to the "Gazetteer of Connecticut and Rhode Island," by 
John C. Pease and John M. Niles, Esqs., a work of much labor and merit. For the 
account of the towns in Middlesex County, " Field's Statistical Account" has fur- 
nished much valuable information. The extracts from the most ancient newspapers 
were taken from files of the New Haven journals, the earliest and only copies, it is 
believed, that are now in existence. These journals are in the valuable library left 
by the late Col. William Lyon, a distinguished antiquarian, and are now in possession 
of his son, William Lyon, Esq. a gentleman to whom the compiler feels himself un- 
der lasting obligations. To the various gentlemen in different parts of his native state, 
who have furnished information for this work, the author would here return his grate- 
ful acknowledgments. 

It may be thought, perhaps, by some, that an apology ought to be made for inserting 
many things contained in this book: somethings may be thought too trivial, others 
too marvelous, to be recorded. With regard to the first, it ought to be borne in mind, 
that many things which at the first sight may appear to us to be of little moment, may 
hereafter be deemed of much importance. With regard to the latter objection, it may 



IV 

PKEFACE. 



^^;^:^s^^x.r r consu,ered asde * c ^ •** 

Although in this a*e most of « ™fc . ^ f * ° Pim ° nS ' &C " howeveI erroneous, 
weaknesses o^Sfathers vTl Zvh n "' T"" the *"P erslit "- -d 
Dr. Johnson and Z ™ r , 7 ^ " refl<?Ct lhat Sir Matthew H ^e, 

I he numerous engravings interspersed throngh this work were f wi.h fe M nr • 

from SS»t2JS. ZT 11 any PlaCe WiU Vary co »^rab,y as ii is viewed 

demned as bein? incorrect it win h* „»n reco => mze d. Before any view is con- 

<o Sand on a,. ^SVw 1^™"/^'° ^ " <° rreC1 J " dg " le '"' 

In giving the notices of distinguished individuals, a limited number onlv ™„! i k 

JVew Haven, 1837. ulu s^- 



J. W. B. 



Amid such a variety of facts, names and dates, it is not to be expected but that some 

OHtaitafy.pigera, for Hanahbuke read IMkli, sometimes spelt Kanaw 
buck: Houksett should be Konksett, sometimes spelt Conksett 
M* Page 200 for 20 or 30 rods below the bridge, read about one mile, &c. 

ChTrch n thf e t?n > it", *T' *' *« *** ° f the Protesta * Episcopal 
Church in the United States, was born in Pequonnuc, a small village in this town 
abou hree or four mdes eastward of New London. He graduated at Yale CoTlLe 
m 1 m He studied theology in Scotland and m 1753 obtained orders in London He 
was consecmed a bishop in Scotland, by three non-juring bishops in or about 1784 

Itpa^m) ° n> where he dischargcd the duties of his office *» his ^t: 

Groton, page 309, for brother of, read uncle to. 
Walerford, for Gardiner, read Gardincrs. 



CONTENTS 



Ash ford, . 

Avon, 

Barkhamsted, 

Berlin, 

Bethany, . 

Bethlem, . 

Bloomfield, 

Bolton, 

Bozrah, 

Branlbrd, . 

Bridgeport, 

Bristol, 

Brookrield, 

Brooklyn, 

Burlington, 

Canaan, 

Canterbury, 

Canton, 

Chaplin, . 

Chatham, . 

Cheshire, . 

Chester, . 

Colchester, 

Colebrook, 

Columbia, 

Cornwall, 

Coventry, 

Danbury, . 

Darien, 

Derby, 

Durham, . 

East Haddam, 

East Hartford 

East Haven, 

East Windsor 

Ellington, 

Enfield, . 

Fairfield, . 

Fairfield County 

Farmington, 

Franklin, . 

Glastenbury, 

Goshen, 

Granby, 
Greenwich, 
Griswold, . 
Groton, 
Guilford, . 



age. ' 

117 TIaddam, . 

62 Hamden, . 

460 Hampton, . 

65 Hart ford, . 

ls.-> Hartford County, 

161 Harlland, . 

68 Harwinton, 
542 llr I iron, . 
301 I Huntington, 
188 Kent, 
371 Killingly, 

69 | Killingworth, . 
375 ! Lebanon, . 
11?, Ledyard, . 

70 Lisbon, 
403 Litchfield, 
420 Litchfield County, . 

70 pfcyme, 
559 Madison, . 
518 Manchester, 
193 Mansfield, 

521 Marlborough, . 
303 i Meriden, . 

464 Middlebury, 
543 Middlesex County, . 

465 Middletown, 
545 ! Milford, . 
362 i Monroe, . 
376 Montville, 
196 New Canaan, . 

522 New Fairfield, . 
524 New Hartford, . 

72 New Haven, 
204 New Haven County, 

76 J New London, . 
547 | New London County 

83 | New Milford, . 
319 i Newtown, 
349 Norfolk, . 

North Branford, 
306 Noi th Haven, . 

:n North Stonington, 
4G7 Norwalk, . 

93 Norwich, . 
379 Orange, . 

306 Oxford, . 

307 Plain field, 
209 I Plymouth, 



Paso. I 

514 | Pomfret, . 

•2\'i Preston, . 

424 Prospect, . 

31 Pleading, . 

30 Ridgefield, 

97 Roxbury, . 

469 Salem, 
549 Salisbury, 
383 Saybrook, 

470 Sharon, 
426 Sherman, . 
529 Simsbury, 
318 ! Somers, • 
325 Southbury, 
328 Southington, 
152 Stafford, . 
45-2 Stamford, . 
328 ! Sterling, . 
224 Stonington, 

98 Stratford, . 
551 ! Suriield, . 

99 Thompson, 
226 | Tolland, . 
229 ! Tolland County 

, 506 ! Torrington, 
. 506 Trumbull, 
. 229 , Union, 
. 384 Vernon, . 
334 Voluritown, 
. 385 Wallingford, 

387 Warren, . 
\ 472 ! Washington, 

134 , Wa let bury, 

133 Waterford, 

271 Walertown, 

271 Weston, . 

474 I Westport, 

387 Wethersfield 

481 Willington, 

240 Wilton. 

240 Winchester, 

340 Windham, 

389 Windham County, 

290 Windsor, . 

2 15 Wolcott, . 

217 Woodbridge, 

434 Woodbury, 

483 I Woodstock, 



Page. 

437 
312 
249 

3" I 
399 
184 
313 

ihi; 
532 
490 
401 
. 100 
. 553 
. 250 
. 105 
. 555 
. 402 
. 440 
. 343 
. 404 
. 107 
. Ill 
. 540 
. 540 
495 
. 408 
. 550 
. 557 
. 443 
. 252 
. 497 
. 497 
. 257 
. 347 
. 499 
. 409 
. 410 
. U'2 
. 558 
. 412 
. 501 

. H~ 

. 123 

. 268 

. 269 

. 503 

. 419 



BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES AND SKETCHES 



Page. 
456 
511 

397 
. 463 

281 



Allen, Ethan, . 
Alsop, Richard, poet, 
Barlow, Joel, ll.d. . 
Bellamy, Joseph, n. d 
Brainard, John G. C. 
Brainerd, Rev. David, 510 
Buell, Abel, . . 531 
Carver, Jonathan, . 422 
Chittenden, Hon. Thos.225 
Davenport, Hon. Abm. 403 
Dow, Lorenzo, . . 546 



Page. 
Eaton, Gen. Wm. . 450 
Edwards, Jonathan, . 80 
Elliot, Rev. Jared, . 530 
Ellsworth, Oliver, ll.d. 129 
Fansher, Dr. Sylvanus, 484 
Fen wick, Lady, . 536 
Fitch, Rev. James, . 323 
Fitch, John, . . 81 
Goodwin, George, . 49 
Granger, Gideon, . 110 
Griswold, Matthew, . 331 



Page. 

Griswold, Roger, . 332 
Hale, Capt. Nathan, 5 15 
Hall, Lvman, . . 255 
Hart, Major Jonathan, 67 
Hopkins, Dr. Lemuel, 267 
Hopkins, Samuel, d.d. 265 
Hosmer, Titus, . 39 

Hull, Com. Isaac, • 202 
Humphreys, Geo. Dav. 201 
Huntington, Jedediah, 280 
Johnson, Samuel, u. D. 406 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



Knowlton, Col. Thos. 419 
Ledyard, John, 49, 326 
Lyman, Gen. Phineas, 109 
McKinstry, Rev. John, 518 
Obookiah, Henry, . 467 
Occuin, Rev. Sampson, 339 
Perkins, Nathan, d. d. 39 
Phelps, Oliver, Esq. . Ill 



Page. 
Pitkin, Hon. Wm. . 75 
Putnam, Gen. Israel, 416 
Stiles. Ezra, d.d. . 213 
Sutliff, John, . .484 
Tallmadge, Benjamin, 458 
Trumbull, John, . 500 
Trumbull, Jonathan, 321 
"Webster, Noah, ll. d. 49 



Page. 
Wheeloek, Elenzer, d.d. 544 
White, Hugh, Esq. . 511 
Whitney, Eli, . . 220 

Williams, John, Esq. 494 
Wolcott, Oliver, . 457 
Wolcott, Roger, . 128 
Wooster. Gen. David, 407 
Young,Guilford Dudley 322 



EPITAPHS. 



Andrew, Rev. Samuel. 239 
Ashmun, Jehudi, L83 

Backus. Rev. Dr. . 555 
Bartlit, Rev. Moses, . 521 
Beach, Capt. Elnathan, 196 
Beach, Rev. John, . 392 
Beadle, Lydia, . . 122 
Benedict, Rev. Joel, p.p. 437 
Bidwell, Dea. Thomas. ', 1 
Bostwick, Mrs. Ann, 480 
Bostwick, Samuel, . 480 
Brainerd, Rev.Chiliab, 93 
Bruce, David, Mora-) . ()0 

vian Missionary, J 
Bulkley, Hon. John, . 306 
Cady, Capt. John, . 437 
Camp, Elias, . . 524 
Camp, Capt. Israel, . 524 
t Chaplin, Deac. Benj. 560 
Chester, Leonard, . 122 
Church, Rev. Aaron. 98 
Clapp, Pres. Thomas, 182 
Cleveland, Col. Aaron, 123 
Cobb, Samuel, Esq. . 542 
Cogswell, Rev. Jas. d. d, 61 
Cogswell, Dr. Mason F. 62 
< '.mi. Rev. Joseph, . 437 
Cook, Capt. Samuel, 196 
Curtiss, Rev. Jeremiah, 107 
Davenport, Rev. John, 404 
Davies, Rev. Thomas, 480 
Dixwell, Col. John, . 158 
Dwight, Timothy, ll.d. I 82 
Eaton, Gov.Theophilus 182 
-^J5/r^Tards, lie v. Timothy 83 
Ellsworth, Oliver, i,l.d. 132 
Ely, Mrs. Desire, . 513 
Estabrook,Rev.Samuel 423 
Fellows, Capt. Amos, 542 
Fenn, Capt. Benj. . 239 
Fitch, Maj. James, . 424 
Fitch, Rev. James, . 321 
Fitch, Gov. Thomas, 394 
Frith, Joseph, . . 182 
Gale, Dr. Benjamin, . 531 
Gardiner, David, . 59 
Giddings, Dca. Thos. 98 
Graham, Andrew, . 252 
Graham, Rev. John, . 252 
Granger, Gideon . Ill 
Granger, Tryphosa, 111 
Griffin, Capt. E. . 225 
Griswold, Roger, ll. d. 332 
Hale, David, . . 93 



Va.sc. I 

419 ; 

547, 

196! 

521 I 

513' 

513 

454 

539 



Hale, Rev. James, 

Nathan & Rich 
I [all, Rev. Samuel, . 
Hall, Samuel, . 
Hamlin, Giles, . 
1 [amlin, Mary, 
Harris, Joseph, . 
Hart, Marv Ann, 
Hart, MLaj. Gen. Wm. 539 
Hartshorn, Fisher, . 505 
Heaton, Rev. Stephen, 469 
1 [erpin, Duet. John, . 239 
Hillhouse, Rev James, 340 
Hobart, Rev.Noah, . 361 
Hooker, Rev. Thomas, 60 
! I kins.Ezra, . . 123 
Hosmer, Rev. Stephen, 528 
Humphreys, Rev. Dan. -Jo:; 
Humphreys, Gen. Dav. 183 
Huntington, Dea. Chr. 297 
Huntington, Rev. Jos. 540 
Huit, Ephraim, . 132 

Jewitt, Eliezer, . . 307 
Johnson. Ucv.Saml. d.d. 407 
Win. Esq. . Is-.' 
Kellog, Rev.Eben'r, 558 
Kilb tan, . 306 

Kimbei lj , Thos. Esq. 93 
Dea. Jos. 88 
Kinney, Joseph, . 297 

Lee, Rev. Jonathan, . 490 
Lincoln. Simeon, . 67 
Lord, Capt. Richard, 282 
Lyman, Moses. . 469 

Lyman, Dea. Thos. . 544 
Lyon, Col. Wm. . 184 
Macdonough, I !om. T. 513 
Macdonough, Mrs. . 513 
Marvin, Capt. Renold, 333 
McCurdv, John, . 333 
Meacham, Mrs. Esther, 516 
Meacham, Rev. Joseph, 517 
Merriman, Rev. John, 107 
Miles, Rev. Smith, . 519 
Miller, John Earnest, 137 
Mitchell, Rev. Justus, 386 
Moore, Samuel, . 490 
Morse, Lucretia P. . 184 
Moss, Rev. Joseph, . 203 
Moulton, Mrs. Bula, 495 
Newell, Rev. Samuel, 70 
Newton, Roger, Esq. 239 
Obookiah, Henry, . 467 



Page. 

Osborn, Dr. John, . 514 
Pierce, Mrs. Thankful, 297 
Piatt. Samuel, . . 481 
Pond, Rev. Enoch, . 420 
Potter, Maj. Thomas ) W o 

and others, $ *" 

Putnam, Gen. Israel, 416 
Raynolds, Rev. Peter, 88 
Robbins, Rev. A. R. 482 
Robinson, Mrs. Naomi, 107 
Robinson, Rev. Wm. 107 
Russell, Mrs. Abigail, 193 
ell, Rev. Samuel, 193 
Sandeman, Robert, . 369 
Sawyer, Mrs. Louisa, 513 
Seabury, Samuel, d. d. 282 
Shepherd, Anna, and ) gn 

others, . . J ° 

Shove, Rev. Seth, . 370 

Silliman, Gold Selleck, 361 

lley, Rev. John, d.d. 67 

Smith, Rev. Cotton M. 495 

R( , . Stephen, 542 

Pres! Ezra, 

Rev; Isaac. 

Stone, Rev. Samuel, 

Strong, Rev. Nathan 

Thacher, Partridge, 

iope, Rev. Amos, 451 
Tisdale, Nathan, . 325 
Treat, Col. Robert, . 241 
Trumbull, Benj. d.d. 243 
Trumbull, Mad. Faith, 325 
Trumbull, Rev. John,' 501 
Trumbull, Jona., Esq, 
Trumbull, Jona., Esq. 
Trumbull. Joseph, 
Tuttle, John N. 
Uncas, Samuel, 
Welch, Paul, . 
Weller, Lieut. Thos. 
Welles, ('apt. Gideon, 123 
Welles, Wm., Esq. . 93 
West, Hon. Zebulon, 542 
Wheeloek. Mrs. Sarah, 544 
Whitney. Eli, . . 184 
Whittlesey, Rev. Saml. 239 
Williams, Re v.Eleazer, 553 
Williams, Hon. Wm. 325 
Winchester, Rev. El-) r , 

hanan, . . . \ G1 
Wolcott, Henry, . 132 
Wolcott, Hon. Roger. 132 



182 

245 

60 

61 

481 



324 
325 
325 
265 
294 
480 
486 



INDEX. 



Vaga. 



Alexander's Lake, origin of tradition, 431 



Anarchiad and Echo, Hartford, 
Ancient House, Guilford, 
Anecdote, freezing to death, . 
Anecdote of an ill nalured woman, 
Anecdote, Revolutionary, Bethel, . 
Anecdote, Walker and Reed, . 
Apple tree at Litchfield, . • ,. . ■ 
Arnold's official account of expedition 

to New London, . 
Asylum for Deaf and Dumb, . 

Banks in Hartford and New London, 
Barber, first white woman in Conn. 
Beadle family, murder of, 
Bear in Hartford, . . • • 
Bear stories, . • • . lol, 
Bethel, Danbury, . • • • 
Betts. Ca'pt., skirmish at Nonvalk, 
Birmingham, Derby, 
Birge, Mrs., frozen to death, . 
Bishop, Sarah, hermitess, 
Bissell, Mr. and Indians, 
Black Hall, Lyme . 
Boston, donation sent to, . 
Boundary between Connecticut and 
Massachusetts, . • • 109, 
Brainerd, David, birth-place, . 
Britain, New, Berlin, 
Bulklev, Rev. Mr., anecdote of, 
Bull, Capt., and Major Andross, 
Burgoyne's defeat, news of, at Sharon 
Burning of Danbury, • • • 
Burning of Fairfield, • • 351, 

Canada village, Goshen, . 
Cannon, (oaken,) firing of, Hebron, 
Cannon seen in the air, . . • 
Canterbury School, Miss Crandall, 
Cat Hole pass, Meriden, . 
Charter of Connecticut granted, 
Charter Oak, Hartford, . 
Chatham quarry of free stone, 
Christ-ians, account of, . 
Chuse, Indian sachem, Derby, 
Clams, Indian method ci preserving, 
Clifton, Winchester, 
Cobalt mine in Chatham, 
Cogswell, Dr., affecting anecdote of, 
Coining of coppers in Connecticut, . 
College, removal of, from Saybrook, 
Connecticut, derivation of the name, 
Connecticut River, change of its bed. 
Constitution of Connecticut, ancient, 
Copper mine, Simsbury, . 



50 
211 
106 
116 
371 
504 
455 

275 
33 



Pngc. 

58 

336 

40 

525 

52 

. 355 

. 73 

79 



287 
112 
117 

55 
225 
370 
393 
193 
459 
400 

7s 
331 
3G1 



449 

517 

66 

305! 

s:;s 

494 

3GG 
355 



Done, Richard, execution of, . 
Drought at Mohegan, 
Dutch Point, Hartford, • 

East Haddam Landing, . 
Election ceremonies, Hartford, 
Elegy on the burning of Fairfield 
Elliot, visit to the Podunks, 
Emigrants to Nova Scotia, . 
Episcopal society, first in Connecticut, 40j 
Essex, borough of, Saybrook, . - ^ 
Execution at Reading, . • • ^ 
Execution of Thomas Goss, . ■ . 4t>J 
Extraordinary transactions, Granby yo 

Fair Haven, , 158 

Fight between the Narragansetts and 

Nipmucks in Killingly, . • 428 

First born in Connecticut, (whites,) 59 
Forests, appearance of, . . • ->1 
Fortune telling, ■ • • ', .™ 

Frog Pond, Windham, an account ol, 447 

George III. proclaimed king, . • 164 
Greenfield Hill, Fairfield, . • *?J 
Green Woods, Winchester, . • »o<5 
Griswould, Mr., taken by the Indians, 4o3 
Gun, report of, (tradition,) • • *w 



Haddam granite quarries, . • 516 
Hailstorm, Simsbury, . • • J"* 
Henman, Mrs., remarkable account of, 40J 



469 

551 

429 

42l| 

227 

19 

43 

519 

425 

199 

200 

501 

520 

61 

532 

539 

9 

113 

13 

94 



Daggett, President, capture of, . 174 

Dark day, anecdote respecting, . 403 

Dark Hollow, Marlborough, . . 100 

Disease among cattle, East Haddam, 528 



Hessian prisoners, East Windsor, 

Hilehcocksville, Barkhamsted, 

[Hooker, Rev. Mr., speech of, . 

Humphreysville, settlement of, 

Huntington, Dr., imposition on, 

Indian, killed by mistake, 
Indian School, Dr. Wheelock's, 
Informer, whipped by Arnold, 
Inscription, oldest in Connecticut, 

'iron works, Norwich, (ancient,) 

Judges' Cave, New Haven, 

Kidd, Capt., the pirate, . 

Lawes, capital!, of Connecticut, 

Law relating to Tobacco, 

Laws, compilation of Gov. Eaton, . 

Ledyard, John, anecdotes of, . 

Leesville, East Haddam, . 

Letter of Rev. John Davenport and 

Gov. Eaton, and fac simile, . 
Levo, Mrs., frozen to death, Sharon, 



Main Street, Hartford, plan of, 
Mansfield, Maj. Moses, . 
Map, the first published, . 



79 
460 

12 
199 
546 

200 
544 
166 
132 
292 

151 

23 

16 

17 

18 

49 

520 

141 

494 

48 
551 
532 



vin 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Marvin, deacon, anecdotes of, . 333 

Massacre in Fort Griswold, . . 309 

Mather, Rev. Dr., capture of, . . 376 

Mechanicsville, East Haddam, . 526 

Meeting House, first in Connecticut, 42 

Meteor, fall of, in Weston, . . 410 

Methodist Society, first in N. England, 409 

Millenarians, 531 

Mineral Springs, Stafford, . . 555 

Mission, Moravian, Kent, . . 470 

Mission School, Foreign, Cornwall, 467 

Mohegans, present state of, . . 338 

Mood us Noises, East Haddam, . 526 

Murder at Washington, . . . 498 
Murder of Weaseopano, . 



Pag< 

Sandemanians, account of, . . 369 

Satan's Kingdom, New Hartford, . 473 
Saybrook Platform, . . . .539 

Scatacook Indians, .... 471 

Separates at North Stonington, . 341 

Shakers, in Enfield, ... 84 

Ship seen in the air, . . . 161 

Sickness at Somers, .... 551 

Sickness, distressing, at Bethlem, . 462 

Silk manufacture, Mansfield, . . 552 

Silliman, General, capture of, . . 374 

Silver mine, Orange, . . . 247 

Simsbury, burning of, by Indians, . 102 

Slave, murder bv a, ... 548 

Slaves, Mr. Mafbone's, . . . 41G 



New and Old Lights, . . . 190 

New Haven Constitution, . . 137 

New Haven, invasion of, . . 16S 

New Haven Planters, names of, . 159, 

Newington, history of, . . • 115 

New London, burning of, . . 273! 

New London, queries concerning, . 285 

Newspaper, first in New Haven, . 161 

Nicknames, 187 

Noble, John, first settler, New Milford, 476 ! 

Noise, remarkable, heard in the air, 428 

Occnm, Sampson, an account of, 339, 544 
Oyster Huts, on Milford Point, . 238 

Perfectionists, 249 

Periodical publications, New Haven, 

list of, 180 

Pequots, expedition against, . . 312 
Plymouth Hollow, .... 484 
Pock, Kine, discovered, &c. . . 484 
Poduuk Indians, account of, . . 78 
Powder, explosion, Norwich, . . 292 
Printer, first in Connecticut, . . 283 
Prison, Newgate, Granby, . . 94 
Prison, State, Wethersfield, . .114 
Prison ship, Sheffield's account of, . 286 
Punishment of the wooden horse, . 56 
Putnam, Gen. escape of, at Horse Neck, 380 
Putnam. General, monument, . . 410 
Putnam and the wolf, . . • 438 

Uuack, cancer, epitaph on, (poetry,) 268 
Cluackery in Willington, . . 558 

Records, Hartford town, extracts, . 45 
Records, New Haven, . . . 162 
Records, Norwich, town of, . • 297 
Records, Wethersfield, do. . . 121 
Red Hill Indians, Glaslenbufy, . 559 
i.des,Goffe and Whalley, 150, 269 
Retreal for the Insane, . . 36 

Robbery at Bethany, . . . 181 

Robbery at Bethlem, . . . 462 

Rocky Hill, Hartford, ... 39 
Rogerines, .... 279, 347 

Sachem's Head, origin of the name, 216 
Salisbury, Mr., account of, . . 486 
Salisbury, remarkable occurrences in, 489 
Samp Mortar rock, .... 351 



(Snow storm, account of, by Winthrop, 284 



Southport, Fairfield, ". . ; 356 

Sowheag, Sachem at Middletown, . 507 

Spalding, J. and the Indians, . . 427 

Steamboat, Fitch's, .... 81 

Steep Rock, Washington, . . 498 

Stonington, attack on, . . . 345 

Storm of wind, hail and rain, Bozrah, 302 

Storm, violent, explosion, &c, Derby, 203 

Swamp fight, Narragansetts, . . 20 

Taiiffville, Simsbury, . . .101 

Tetokct Mountain, North Branford, 240 

Thanksgiving deferred, . . . 305 

Theater, Hartford, .... 56 

Theological Institute, East Windsor, 77 

Thompson ville, Enfield, ... 84 
Tin ware, first manufactured in Conn., G6 

Tryon's Letter to Sir Henry Clinton, 171 

Type foundery, Buell's, . . . 532 

Uncas and Mianlonimoh, . . 295 

Uncas' burial ground, Norwich, . 294 

Uncas, stratagem of, ... 75 

Vessel built by Col. Halsey, • . 313 

Wadsworth, Capt. and Col. Fletcher, 25 

Wadsworth's Tower, . . . 63 

Washington College, ... 38 
Washington, proceedings on the death 

of, in Hartford, ... 58 

Well, ancient, East Windsor, • . 79 

Well, caving in of, Manchester, . 99 

Weller, Lieut. Thomas, death of, . 486 

an University, .Middletown, 510 

Westbrook, in Saybrook, . . 535 

Western Reserve, .... 29 

Westmoreland, town of, ... 28 

Whaling Song, bv Doct. Osborn, . 511 
Wheeler, Mis. Mercy, remarkable 

healing of, ...-.- 135 

Whitefield, preaches in Sharon, . 493 

Whitm yville, Hamden, . . 219 

Wilkinson, Jemima .New Milford, 178 

Windsor settlers, names of, . . 127 

Winsted, in Winchester, . . 502 

Witch story, Basl Haven, . - 208 

Wolcottvifle, Torrmgton, . - 496 

Yale College, history of, . . . 145 

Yellow fever in New London, . 288 



V1I1 



INDEX. 



Marvin, deacon, anecdotes of, 

Massacre in Fort Griswold, 

Mather, Rev. Dr., capture of, . 

Mechanicsville, East Haddam, 

Meeting House, first in Connecticut, 

Meteor, fall of, in Weston, 

Methodist Society, first in N. England, 409 

Millenarians, 531 

Mineral Spring!?, Stafford, . . 555 
Mission, Moravian, Kent, . . 470 

Mission School, Foreign, Cornwall, 467 
Mohegans, present slate oi', . . 338 
Moodus Noises, East Haddam; . 526 
Murder at Washington, . . . 408 
Murder of Weaseopano, ... 74 



New and Old Lights, . . . 190 

New Haven Constitution, . . 137 

New Haven, invasion of, . . 1G8 

New Haven Planters, names of, . 159 

Newington, history of, . . . 115 

New London, burning of, . . S73 

New London, queries concerning, . 285 

Newspaper, iiist in New Haven, . 1G1 

Nicknames, 187 

Noble, John, first settler, New Mil ford, 476 

Noise, remarkable, heard in the air, 428 



Page. Page 

333 Sandemanians, account of, . . 369 

309 Satan's Kingdom, New Hartford, . 473 

37(1 Saybrook Platform, .... 539 

526 Scatacook Indians, .... 471 

42 Separates at North Stonington, . 341 

410|Shakers, in Enfield, ... 84 

Ship seen in the air, . . . 161 

Sickness at Somers, .... 55 1 

Sickness, distressing, at Bethlem, . 462 

Silk nul'acture, Mansfield, . . 552 

Silliman, General, capture of, . . 371 

Silver mine, Orange, . . . 247 

Simsbury, burning of, by Indians, . 102 

Slave, murder by a, . . . 548 

Slaves, Mr. Malbone's, . . . 416 

Snow storm, account of, by Winthrop, 284 

Southport, Fairfield, . . . 356 

Sowheag, Sachem at Middletown, . 507 

Spalding, J. and the Indians, . . 427 

Steamboat, Fitch's, .... 81 

Sleep Rock, Washington, . . 498 

Stonington, attack on, . . . 345 

Storm of wind, hail and rain, Bozrah, 302 

Storm, violent, explosion, &c, Derby, 203 

Swamp fight, Narragansetts, . . 20 



Occum, Sampson, an account of, 339, 544 
Oyster Huts, on Mil ford Point, . 238 

Perfectionists, 249 

Periodical publications, New Haven, 

list of, 180 

Pequots, expedition against, . . 312 
Plymouth Hollow, . .' . . 484 
Pock, Kine, discovered, &c. . . 481 
Podunk Indians, account of, . . 78 
Powder, explosion, Norwich, . . 292 
Printer, first in Connecticut, . . 283 
Prison, Newgate, Granby, . . 94 
Prison, State, Wethersfield, . .114 
Prison ship, Sheffield's account of, . 286 
Punishment of the wooden horse, . 56 
Putnam, Gen. escape of, at Horse Neck, 380 
Putnara/Gareral, monument, . . 416 
Putnam and the wolf, . . . 438 

Quack, cancer, epitaph on, (poetry,) 268 
Quackery m Willington, . . 558 

Records, Hartford town, extracts, . 45 

Records, New Haven, . . . 162 

Records, Norwich, town of, . . 297 

Records, Wethersfield, do. . . 121 

Red I Id! Indians, Glastenbury, . 559 

Regicides, Goffe and Whalley, 150, 269 

Retreal for the insane, . . 3( 

Robbei v al Bethany, . . . 18( 

■ tv at Bethlem, . . . 462 

Rocky Hill, Hartford, . . . 39 

Roge lines, .... 279, 347 

Sachem's Head, origin of the name, 216 

Salisbury, Mr., account of, . . 486 

Salisbury, remarkable occurrences in, 489 

Samp Mortar rock, .... 351 



Tariffville, Simsbury, . . .101 

Tetoket Mountain, North Branford, 2 10 
Thanksgiving deferred, . . . 305 
Theater, Hartford, .... 56 
Theological Institute, East Windsor, 77 
Thompsonville, Enfield, . . .81 
Tin ware, first manufactured in Conn., 06 
Tryon's Letter to Sir Henry Clinton, 171 
Type foundery, Buell's, . . . 532 

TJncas and Miantonimoh, . . 295 

Fncas' burial ground, Norwich, . 291 
Uncas, stratagem of, ... 75 

Vessel built by Col. Halsey, . . 313 

Wads worth, Capt. and Col. Fletcher, 25 

Wadsworth's Tower, . . . 63 
Washington College, . . .38 
Washington, proceedings on the death 

of, in Hartford, .... 58 

Well, ancient, East Windsor, • . 79 

Well, caving in of, Manchester, . 99 

Weller, Lieut. Thomas, death of, . 48,6 

Wesleyan University, Middletown, 510 

Westbrook, in Saybrook, . . 535 

Western Reserve, .... 29 

Westmoreland, town ofj ... 28 

Whaling Song, by Doct. Osborn, . 514 
Wheeler, Mrs. Mercy, remarkable 

healing of, ...... 135 

Whitefield, preaches in Sharon, . 493 

Whitneyville, Hamden, . . 219 

Wilkinson, Jemima. New Milford, . -17* 

m settlers, names of, . • 127 

Winsted, in Winchester, . . 502 

Witch story, East Haven, . . 208 

Woleottvil'le. Torrington, . . 496 

Vale College, history of, . . .1 15 
Yellow lever in New London, . 288 



CONNECTICUT. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 

The precise time when the country now comprising Connecticut* was 
first visited by Europeans, cannot now be ascertained. It is probable, 
however, it was first visited by the Dutch, soon after they began their 
settlement at New Amsterdam, now New York, in 1615. Whether 
the Dutch at New Netherlands, or the people at New Plymouth, first 
discovered the river Connecticut, it is not now known. Both the Dutch 
and English claimed to be the first discoverers, and both purchased and 
made a settlement of the lands upon it nearly at the same time. In 
1633, William Holmes and others of the Plymouth colonists, having 
prepared the frame and other materials for erecting a house, put them 
on board a vessel and sailed for Connecticut. When he came into the 
river, he found that the Dutch had got in before him, proceeded up the 
river, made a light fort, and planted two pieces of cannon on Dutch 
Point in Hartford. Although the Dutch threatened to fire upon him, 
Holmes proceeded up the river, landed on the west side of the Con- 
necticut, near the mouth of the little river in Windsor. Here he erected 
his house, and fortified it, being it is said the first house erected in Con- 
necticut. 

In 1635, a number of people from Massachusetts came into Con- 
necticut, and made preparations for settlements at Windsor, Hartford, 
and Wethersfield. In October of the same year, about sixty men, 
women and children, came through the wilderness from Massachusetts 
to Connecticut liver, and arrived at the places of their destination on 
the 9th of November.f after a journey of fourteen days. In Novem- 
ber, Mr. John Winthrop, who had a commission from Lord Say and 
Seal, Lord Brook and others, sent a party of twenty men, in a small ves- 
sel of about 30 tons, from Massachusetts, took possession of the mouth of 
the Connecticut, and thus prevented the Dutch from ascending the river. 

The first court in Connecticut was holden at Hartford, April 26th, 
1636. It consisted of Roger Ludlow, Esq., Mr. John Steel, Mr. Win. 
Swaim, Mr. Wm. Phelps, Mr. Wm. Westwood, and Mr. Andrew Ward. 
Mr. Ludlow had, in 163J, been chosen lieutenant governor of Massa- 

* Connecticut derives its name from the river by which it is intersected, called by 
the native QuoneKtacUt ; (Hpyt's Indian Wars, &c. p. 37.) This word, according to 
some, signifies the long river; it lias, however, been stated by others, that the mean- 
ing ol the word is, River of Pines, in allusion to the forests of pines that formerly stood 
on its banks. 

+ Dr. Hawes' Centenniat Address, 1835. 

2 



10 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 



chusetts colony. The Connecticut planters at first settled under the 
general government of Massachusetts, but they held courts of their own, 
which consisted of two principal men from each town. On great occa- 
sions, these were joined with committees, (as they were called,) con- 
sisting of three men from each town. These courts had the power of 
transacting the common affairs of the colony ; they also had the power 
of making war and peace, and forming alliances with the natives within 
the colony.* 

There were three courts held in 1636 ; the principal business done 
in them related principally to their military affairs, as " their circum- 
stances were such, that it was judged necessary for every man to be a 
soldier." The first court was held in Hartford, as has been related ; 
the second was holden at Windsor, June 7th; the third at Wethersfield, 
on the 1st of September. 

In the month of June, 1636, Messrs. Hooker and Stone, with their 
company, came through the wilderness to Hartford. There were, at 
the close of this year, says Dr. Trumbull, about two hundred and fifty 
men in the three towns on the river, and there were twenty men in the 
garrison at the entrance of it, under the command of Lieut. Gardiner. 
The whole consisted, probably, of about 800 persons, or of one hundred 
and sixty or seventy families. 

The year 1637 is memorable in the history of Connecticut, on ac- 
count of the Pequot war and the destruction of that warlike tribe. In 
the year 1634 a number of Indians, in confederacy with the Pequots, 
murdered Capt. Stone and Capt. Norton, with the whole of their crew, 
consisting of eight men, and plundered and sunk the vessel. Captain 
Stone was from the West Indies, and came into Connecticut river, with 
a view of trading at the Dutch House. In 1636, Capt. Oldham was 
killed at Block Island, where he went to trade : several of the murder- 
ers fled to the Pequots and were protected by them, and were there- 
fore considered as the abettors of the murder. 

The murder of Capt. Oldham induced Massachusetts to send ninety 
men, under Capt. Endicott, to reduce the Indians on Block Island, and 
then to demand of the Pequots the murderers of Capt. Stone and his 
crew, and a thousand fathoms of wampum for damages, and a number 
of their children as hostages. Capt. Endicott sailed from Boston Aug. 
25th, and landed on the island, but the Indians secreted themselves in 
swamps and other places, where they could not be found. He however 
destroyed about sixty wigwams, and about 200 acres of corn. The 
party then sailed to Pequot, now New London harbor, and demanded 
satisfaction for the murders they had committed. In a few hours, nearly 
three hundred Pequots collected upon the shore, but after having fully 
learned the object of the visit they withdrew, and instead of treating 
with the English, they shot their arrows at them. He landed his men 
on both sides of the harbor, burnt their wigwams, and killed one or two 
Indians. This expedition gave great dissatisfaction to the Connecticut 
settlers, as nothing had been done to subdue, but enough to exasperate, 
a haughty and warlike enemy. 

* Dr. Trnrribnll. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 11 

The Pequot prince Sassacus and his captains were men of haughty 
and independent spirits; they had conquered and governed the Indian 
tribes around them without control. They viewed the English as in- 
truders, and they were determined to extirpate, or drive them from the 
country. For this purpose they endeavored to unite the Indians against 
them : they spared no pains to make peace with the Narragansetts, and 
to engage them against the English. The governor of Massachusetts, 
to prevent a union between these tribes, sent for Miantonimoh, their 
chief sachem, with some other chief men of the nation, who came to 
Boston, and made a treaty of peace with the English. 

The Pequots continued hostile during the year 1636, and killed a 
number of persons in various places, and during a greater part of the win- 
ter following kept the fort at Saybrook in a state of siege. When the 
spring came on, they became still more troublesome. They waylaid 
the roads and fields, and kept the whole colony in a state of alarm. 
The settlers could neither hunt, fish or cultivate their fields, but at the 
peril of their lives, and their prospects were dark and gloomy in the 
extreme. In this important crisis, a court was summoned at Hartford, 
on Monday the 1st of May. As they were to deliberate on matters 
which concerned the very existence of the colony, the towns for the 
first time sent committees. The magistrates were Roger Ludlow, Esq. 
Messrs. Wells, Swaim, Steel, Phelps, and Ward. The committees were 
Messrs. Whiting, Webster, Williams, Hull, Chaplin, Talcott, Geffords, 
Mitchell, and Sherman. The court, considering that the Pequots had 
killed nearly thirty of the English, determined that offensive war should 
be immediately carried on against them. For this purpose they voted 
that 90 men should be raised forthwith ; 42 from Hartford, 30 from 
Windsor, and 18 from Wethersfield. 

The report of the murders committed by the Pequots, roused the 
other colonies to spirited exertions against the common enemy. Mas- 
sachusetts determined to send 200, and Plymouth 40 men, to aid Con- 
necticut in prosecuting the war. Capt. Patrick, with 40 men, was sent 
forward before the other troops from Massachusetts and Plymouth 
could be ready to march, in order to make a junction with the soldiers 
from Connecticut. 

On Wednesday the 10th of May, 1637, the troops of Connecticut 
fell down the river to Saybrook, on board a pink, a pinnace, and a shal- 
lop. Their force consisted of 90 Englishmen, commanded by Capt. 
John Mason, and accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Stone as chaplain. 
They were also accompanied by Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans with 
about 70 friendly Indians. The troops arrived at Saybrook fort on 
Monday the 15th. As there was some delay in passing down the river, 
the Indians desired to be set on shore, promising to join the English at 
Saybrook. On their way they fell in with about 40 of the enemy, near 
the fort, killed seven and took one prisoner, whom they put to death in 
the most barbarous manner. On the 19th of May, Capt. Mason sailed 
for the Narragansett country, where he arrived the next day. Being 
joined by 200 Narragansetts, he proceeded to the Pequot country, and 
on the 26th of May attacked the Pequot fort by surprise. This fort 



12 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

was situated in the present town of Groton. The reader is referred to 
the history of that town, for an account of the destruction of the fort 
and the events which followed. 

The following address to the soldiers who were enfan-ed in the ex- 
pedition against the Pequots, is generally ascribed to the Rev. Mr. 
Hooker. Be this as it may, it is a valuable specimen of the eloquence 
of the times, and worthy bf preservation. It is found in the " Wonder- 
working Providence of Zion's Saviour in New England," printed in 
London, in 1658: the following is copied from that work, the orthog- 
raphy being retained. The narrator says — "the souldiers arriving in 
safety at the towne of Hartford, were encouraged by the reverend min- 
isters there with some such speech as followes." 

" Fellow-souldiers, Country-men, ami Companions in this wildernesse worke, who 
are gathered together this day by the inevitable providence of the greal Jehovah, not 
in a tumultuous manner, hurried on by the floating fancy of ever} high hot-headed 
braine, whose actions prove abortive, or Many fruil brought forth, n hath beene rape, 
theft, and murther, things inconsisting with nature's light, then much lesse with a 
Souldier's valour; but you, my deare hearts, purposely pickt out by the godly grave 
Fathers of this government, that your prowesse may carry on the work, where there 
justice in her righteqjis course is obstructed, you need not question your authority to 
execute those whom God, the righteous judge of all the world, hath condemni 
blaspheming his sacred Majesty, and nun iheriuc his Servants: everj common Soul- 
dier among you is now installed a Magistrate; then shew yourselves men of cour- 
age: I would not draw low the height of your enemies' hatred against you, and so 
debase your valour. This yon may expect, their swelling pride hath laid the found- 
ation of large conceptions against you ami all the people of < Jhrist in this wildei msse, 
even as wide as Babel's bottome. But, my brave Souldiers, it hath mounted already 
to the clouds, and therefore it is ripe for confusion; also their crueltie is famously 
knowne, yet all true bred Souldiers reserve this as a common rnay;me, cruelty and 
cowardice are unseparable companions; and in briefe, there is nolo ing wanting on 
your enemies' part, that may deprive you of a. compleat victory, onely their nimble- 
ness of foot, and the unaccessible swamps and nut tree woods, forth id' which your 
small numbers may intice, ami industry compel! them. And now to you I put the 
question, who would not fight in such a cause with an agile spirit, and undaunted 
boldnesse ? Yet if you look lor further encouragement, [have it for you; riches and 
honor are the next to a good cause eyed by every Souldier, to maintain your owne, 
ami spoile your enemies of theirs; although gold and silver be wanting to either of 
you, yet have you that to maintaine winch is farre more precious, the lives, libertyes, 
and new purchased freedomes, priviledges, and immunities of the indeared servants 
of our Lord Christ Jesus, and of your second selves, even your affectionated bosome 

mates, together with the chicle pledges of your love, the comforting contents ,.it I i- 

lesse pratling and smiling babes ; and in a word, all the riches of thai gopdnesse ami 
mercy that attends the people of God in the injoyment of Christ, in his ordinances, 
even in this life ; and as (or honour, David was nut to he blamed lor enquring after 
it, as a due recompence of that true valour the Lout had bestowed on Inm : and now 
the Lord hath prepared this honour lor you, oh you couragious Souldiers of his, to 
execute vengeance upon the heathen, and correction among the people, to binde their 
Kin^s in chaines and Nobles in fetters of Iron, that they may execute upon them the 
judgments that are written ! this honour shall he to all his Saints, but some of you 
mav suppose di ath's stroke may cul you .short of tins: let every faithful Souldier of 
Christ Jesus know, that the cause why some of his endeared Servants are taken away 
by death in a just watre (as this assuredly is) it is not because they should tall short 
pf the honours accompanying such noble designes, but rather because earth's ho 
are two scant lor them, and therefore the everlasting Crown must he set upon their 

heads forthwith, then march on with a i i i lull Christian courage in the strength oi 

the Lord, and the power of his might, who will forthwith inclose your enemies in 
your hands, make their multitude tall under your warlike weapons, and your feet 
shall soon be set on their proud necks." 

The Pequot war, though so signally successful, was severely felt by 
the inhabitants; the consequence was a scarcity and debt, which it was 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 13 

extremely difficult to pay. The Court were obliged to impose a tax 
of £550, to be immediately collected, to defray the expenses of the 
war. This appears to have been the first public tax in Connecticut. 
As the inhabitants were much distressed by the want of corn, a com- 
mittee was sent to an Indian settlement called Potomcock, since Deer- 
field, where they purchased such quantities, that the Indians came down 
to Windsor and Hartford with fifty canoes at one time.* This was con- 
sidered as a great deliverance by pious people at that period. 

The pursuit of the Pequots to the westward led to an acquaintance 
with the lands on the sea-coast, from Saybrook to Fairfield. It was 
reported to be a very fine country. This favorable report induced Mr. 
Eaton, Mr. Hopkins, the Rev. Mr. Davenport, and others, who emi- 
grated from London to Massachusetts, in 1637, to think of this part of 
the country as the place of their settlement. Their friends in Massa- 
chusetts, extremely unwilling to part with a company of such respecta- 
bility, endeavored to dissuade them from their purpose. Influenced, 
however, by the inviting prospects which the country promised, and 
flattering themselves that they should be out of the jurisdiction of the 
other colonies, and that they should be able to form such a government 
as would be most agreeable to them, they determined to proceed. Ac- 
cordingly, on the 30th of March, 1638, they sailed from Boston for 
Quinnipiac, now New Haven, and laid the foundation of a flourishing 
colony. 

The inhabitants of Hartford, Windsor and Wethersfield, finding them- 
selves without the limits of the Massachusetts patent, formed themselves 
into a distinct commonwealth. On the 14th of January, 1639, all the 
free planters convened at Hartford, and adopted a constitution of civil 
government. The following is the preamble and constitution adopted 
at this time. 

"Fforasmuch as it hath pleased the Almighty God, by the wise disposition of his 
divine providence, so to order and dispose of things, that we the Inhabitants and resi- 
dents of Windsor, Hartford and Weathersfeild, are now cohabiting, and dwelling in 
and uppon the river of Conneticutt, and the lands thereto adjoining, and well know- 
ing when a people are gathered together, the word of God requires, that to meinteine 
the peace and union of such a people, there should bee an orderly and decent governe- 
ment established according to God, to order and dispose of the affaires of the people 
at all seasons as occassion shall require; doe therefore associate and conjoine our- 
selves to bee as one publique State or Commonwealth ; and doe for ourselves and 
our successors, and such as shall bee adjoined to us at any time hereafter enter into 
combination and confederation together, to meinteine and preserve the libberty and 
purity of the Gospel] of our Lord Jesus, which we now profess, as also the discipline 
of the churches, which, according to the truth of the said Gospell, is now practised 
amongst us ; as allso in ourcivill affaires to be guided and governed according to such 
lawes, rules, orders, and decrees, as shall bee made, ordered, and decreed, as followed) : 

" 1. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, Thai there shall bee yearly two Generall 
Assembly's or Courts, the one the second Thursday in Aprill, the other the second 
Thursday in September following: The first shall be called the Courte of Election, 
wherein shall bee yearly chosen, from time to time, so many magistrates and other 
publique officers, as shall bee found requisite, whereof one to be chosen Governor for 
the year ensuing, and until another bee chosen, and no other magistrate to bee cho- 
sen for more then one yeare; provided always, there bee six chosen besides the Gov- 
ernor, which being chosen and sworne, according to an oath recorded for that pur- 
pose, shall have power to administer justice according to the lawes here established, 



* Mason's History. 



14 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

and for want thereof, according to the rule of the word of God ; which choyce shall 
bee made by all that are admitted Freemen, and have taken the oath of fidelity, and 
do cohabit within this jurissdiction, having beene admitted inhabitants by the major 
paite of the town where they live or the major parte of such as shall bee then present. 

" 2. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, That the Election of the aforesaid magis- 
trate shall bee on this manner; every person present and qualified for choyce, shall 
bring in (to the persons deputed to receive them) one single paper, with the name of 
him written in it whom he desires to have Governor, and hee that hath the greatest 
number of papers shall bee Governor for that yeare: And the rest of the Magistrates 
or publique officers, to be chosen in this manner; the Secretary for the time being, 
shall first read the names of all that are to bee put to choyce, and then shall severally 
nominate them distinctly, and every one that would have the person nominated to bee 
chosen, shall bring in one single paper written uppon, and hee that would not have 
him chosen, shall bring in a blank c, and every one that hath more written papers than 
blanks, shall bee a magistrate for that yeare, which papers shall bee received and told 
by one or more that shall bee then chosen, by the Courte, and sworn to bee faithfull 
therein ; but in case there should not bee six persons as aforesaid, besides the Gover- 
nor, out of those which are nominated, then hee or they which have the most written 
papers, shall bee a Magistrate or Magistrates for the ensuing yeare, to make up the 
aforesaid number. 

"3. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, That the Secretary shall not nominate any 
person, nor shall any person bee chosen newly into the Magistracy, which was not 
propounded in some General Courte before, to bee nominated the next election : And 
to that end, it shall be lawfull for each of the Townes aforesaid, by their Deputies, 
to nominate any two whoe they conceive fitt to be put to election, and the Courte may 
add so many more as they judge requisite. 

" 4. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, That "no person bee chosen Governor above 
once in two years, and that the Governor bee always a member of some approved con- 
gregation, and formerly of the magistracy, within this Jurissdiction, and all the Ma- 
gistrates, flreemen of this Commonwealth ; and that no Magistrate or other publique 
Officer, shall execute any parte of his or theire office before they are severally sworne, 
which shall bee done in the face of the Courte, if they bee present, and in case of ab- 
sence by some deputed for that purpose. 

"5. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, That to the aforesaid Courte of Election, 
the severall Townes shall send theire Deputyes, and when the Elections are ended 
they may proceed in any publique service, as at other Courtes ; allso, the other Gen- 
erall Courte in September, shall bee for making of lawes and any other publique 
occassion, which concerns the good of the Commonwealth. 

" 6. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, That the Governor shall, either by himselfe 
or by the Secretary, send out summons to the Constables of every Towne, for the call- 
ing of these two standing Courts, one month at least before theire severall times: And 
allso, if the Governor and the greatest parte of the magistrates see cause, uppon any 
speciall occassion, to call a Generall Courte, they may give order to the Secretary so 
to doe, within fourteene daves warning, and if urgent necessity so require, uppon a 
shorter notice, giving sufficient grounds for it, to the Deputys,"when they meete, or 
else, bee questioned for the same ; and if the Governor and major parte of the Magis- 
trates, shall either neglect or refuse, to call the two Generall standing Courts, or either 
of them ; as allso, at other times, when the occassions of the Commonwealth require ; 
the Freemen thereof, or the major parte of them, shall petition to them so to doe, if 
then it bee either denied or neglected, the said Freemen or the major parte of them, 
shall have power to give order to the Constables of the severali Towns to doe the 
same, and so many meete together and choose to themselves a moderator, and may 
proceed to doe any act of power which any other Generall Courte may. 

" 7. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, That after there are warrants given out for 
any of the said Generall Courts, the Constable or Constables of each Towne shall forth- 
with give notice distinctly to the inhabitants of the same, in some publique Assembly, 
or by going or sending from howse to howse, that at a place and time, by him or them 
limited and sett, they meete and assemble themselves together, to elect and choose cer- 
taine Deputies, to bee at the generall Courte then following, to agitate the affaires of 
the Commonwealth ; which said Deputies, shall bee chosen by all that are admitted 
inhabitants in the se.erall Towns and have taken the oath of fidelity ; provided, that 
none bee chosen a Deputye for any Generall Courte which is not a Freeman of this 
Commonwealth: The aforesaid Deputyes shall bee chosen in manner following: Ev- 
ery person that is present and qualified as before expressed, shall bring the names of 
such written in severall papers, as they desire to have chosen, for that employment; 
and these three or foure, more or less, being the number agreed on to bee chosen, for 
that time, that have greatest number of papers written for them, shall be Deputyes 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 15 

for that Courte; whose names shall be indorsed on the backside of the warrant and 
returned into the Courte, with the Constable or Constables hand unto the same. 

"8. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, That Wyndsor, Hartford and Weathers- 
feild, shall have power, each Towne, to send foure of theire Freemen as theire Depu- 
ties, to every Generall Courte, and whatsoever other Townes shall bee hereafter 
added to this Jurissdiction, they shall send so many Deputyes, as the Courte shall 
judge meete : a reasonable proportion to the number of Freemen, that are in the said 
Towns, being to bee attended therein; which Deputyes shall have the power of the 
whole Towne, to give theire voates and allowance to all such lawes and orders, as 
may bee for the publique good, and unto which the said Towns are to bee bound : 
And it is allso ordered, that if any Deputyes shall bee absent uppon such occassions, 
as the Governor for the time being, shall approve of, or by the Providence of God, 
shall decease this life within the adjournment of any Courte, that it shall bee at the 
libbertye of the Governor to send forth a warrant, in such case, for supply thereof up- 
pon reasonable warning. 

" 9. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, That the Deputyes thus chosen, shall have 
power and libberty, to appoint a time and place of meeting together, before any Gen- 
erall Courte, to advise and consulte of all such thinges as may concerne the good of 
the publique; as allso to examine theire owne Elections, whether according to the 
order; and if they or the greatest parte of them, finde any election to be illegall, they 
may seclude such for present, from theire meetinge, and returne the same and theire 
reasons to the Courte ; and if it proove true, the Courte may fyne the party or partyes 
so intruding, and the Towne if they see cause, and give out a warrant to goe to anew 
election in a legall way, either in parte or in whole. Allso the said Deputyes shall 
have power to fyne any that shall bee disorderly at theire meeting, or for not coming 
in due time or place, according to appointment, and they may returne the said fyne 
into the Courte, if it bee refused to bee paid, and the Treasurer to take notice of it, 
and to estreite or levye as hee doth other fynes. 

" 10. It is ordered, sentenced, and decreed, That every generall Courte, (except such 
as through neglect of the Governor and the greatest parte of Magistrates, the Free- 
men themselves doe call,) shall consiste of the Governor or some one chosen to mode- 
rate the Courte, and foure other Magistrates at least, with the major parte of the Depu- 
tyes of the several Towns legally chosen, and in case the Freemen or the major parte 
of them, through neglect or refusall of the Governor and major parte of the Magis- 
trates, shall call a Courte, it shall consiste of the major parte of Freemen, that are 
present, or their Deputyes, with a moderator chosen by them, in which said Generall 
Courts, shall consiste the Supreme power of the Commonwealth, and they onely shall 
have power to make lawes and repeale them, to graunt levyes, to admitt of Freemen, 
dispose of lands undisposed of, to severall Towns or persons ; and allso, shall have 
power to call either Courte or Magistrate, or any other person whatsoever into ques- 
tion, for any misdemeanor, and may for such cause, displace, or deale otherwise, ac- 
cording to the nature of the offence ; and allso may deale in any other matter that con- 
cernes the good of this Commonwealth, except election of Magistrates, which shall 
bee done by the whole body of Ffreemen ; in which Courts the Governor or Modera- 
tor shall have the power to order the Courte, to give libbertye of Speech, and silence 
unreasonable and disorderly speaking, to put all things to voate, and in case the voate 
bee equall, to have the casting; voice : But none of these Courts shall bee adjourned or 
dissolved without the consent of the major parte of the Courte. Provided, notwith- 
standing, that the Governor or Deputy Governor, with two Magistrates, shall have 
power to keepe a Perticular Courte according to the lawes established: And in case 
the Governor or Deputy Governor bee absent, or some way or other incapable either 
to silt or to bee present; if three Magistrates meete and chuse one of themselves to 
bee a Moderator, they may keepe a Perticular Courte, which to all ends and purposes 
shall bee deemed as legall as though the Governor or Deputy did sitt in Courte. 

" 11. It is ordered, sen/meed, and decreed, That when any Generall Courte, uppon 
the occassions of the Commonwealth, have agreed uppon any summ or summs of 
monye, to be levyed upon the severall Townes within this Jurissdiction, that a Co- 
mittee bee chosen, to sett out and appoint, what shall bee the proportion of every 
Towne to pay of the said levye; Provided the Comittee bee made up of an equall 
number out of each Towne."* 



* The eleven preceding sections were "voated" or enacted at a General Court, held 
Jan. 14th, 1638; and the provision following was added at the revision in 1650. This 
Constitution was copied from the original records in the Secretary of State's office 
the ancient orthography is retained. For this, the author is indebted to a compilation 
of the earliest laws, &c. in Connecticut, published by Mr. Andrus of Hartford in 1830. 



16 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

" Fforasmuch as the free fruition of such libbcrlres, immunities, priviledges, as hu- 
manity, civility and Christianity call for, as due to every man in his place and pro- 
portion, without impeachment and infringement, hath ever beene and ever will bee 
the tranquillity and stability of Churches" and Commonwealths; and the denyall or 
deprivall thereof, the disturbance, if not mine of both: 

'• 12. // is therefore ordered by this Cuurte, and Authority thereof, That no man's life 
shall bee taken away; no man's honor or good name shall bee stained; no man's per- 
son shall bee arrested, restreined, bannished, dismembred, nor any way punnished; 
no man shall bee deprived of his wife or children ; no man's goods or estates shall bee 
taken away from him nor any ways indammaged, under colour of law, or countenance 
of authority ; unless it bee by theVertue or equity of some express law of the Country 
warranting the same, established by a Generall Courte and sufficiently published, or 
in case of the defect of a law, in any perticular case, by the word of God." 

Agreeable to the Constitution, the freemen convened at Hartford on 
the second Thursday in April, 1639, and elected their officers for the 
year ensuing. John Haynes, Esq. was chosen Governor ; Roger Lud- 
low, George Wyllys, Edward Hopkins, Thomas Welles, John Webster, 
and William Phelps, Esquires, were chosen Magistrates. Mr. Ludlow, 
the first of the six magistrates, was Deputy Governor. Mr. Hopkins 
was chosen Secretary, and Mr. Welles, Treasurer. The names of the 
deputies sent to this first general assembly, were Mr. John Steele, Mr. 
Spencer, Mr. John Pratt, Mr. Edward Stebbins, Mr. Gaylord, Mr. 
Henry Wolcott, Mr. Stoughton, Mr. Ford, Mr. Thurston Rayner, Mr. 
James Boosy, Mr. George Hubbard, and Mr. Richard Crab. 

This year, an adjourned General Assembly incorporated the several 
towns in the colony, and vested them with power to transact their own 
affairs. It was enacted, that they should choose, from among them- 
selves, three, five, or seven men, to be a court for each town. This 
court was appointed to sit once in two months, and determine all mat- 
ters of trespass or debt not exceeding forty shillings. It was also or- 
dained that every town should keep a public ledger, in which deeds, 
mortgages, &.c. should be put on record. This was the origin of town 
privileges in Connecticut. Besides the courts in each town, there was 
a court of magistrates which held its session once in three months. This 
court appeared to possess all the authority and did all the business, 
which is now performed by the County and Superior Courts. 

In 1642, the capital laws of Connecticut were nearly completed and 
put on record. The several passages on which they were founded, were 
particularly noticed in the statute. They were twelve in number ; two 
more were added at a subsequent period. The following is a copy of 
these laws, excepting four which relate to unchastity. 

"CAPITALL LAWES. 

" 1. If any man after legall conviction, shall have or worship anv other God but 
the Lord God, hee shall bee put to death. Deut. 13. 6.— 17. 2.— Exodus 22. 20. 

"2. If any man or woman bee a Witch, that is, hath or consulted! with a familliar 
spirritt, they shall be put to death. Exodus 22. 18.— Levit. 20. 27.— Deut. 18. 10, 1 1 , 

" 3. If any person shall blaspheme the name oi' God the ffalher, Sonne or holy 
Ghost, with direct, express, presumptuous or highhanded blasphemy, or shall curse 
in the like manner, hee shall bee put to death. Lev. 24. ]•">, 16. 

"4. If anv person shall committ any willfull murther, which is manslaughter com- 
mitted uppon malice, hatred or cruelty, not in a man's necessary and just defence, nor 
by mere casualty against his will, hee shall be put to death. Exodus 21. 12, 13, 14. — 
Numb. 35. 30, 31. 

"5. If any person shall slay another through guile, either by poisonings or other 
such Devellish practice, hee shall bee put to death. Exo. 21. 14." 



O U T LINE HIS T O K Y . 17 

" 10. If any man stealeth a man or mankinde, hee shall bee put to death. Exodus 
21. 16. 

"11. If any man rise up by false wittness, wittingly and of purpose to take away 
any man's life, hee shall bee put to death. Deul. 19. 16, 18, lf>. 

"12. If any man shall conspire or attempt an}' invasion, insurrection or rebellion 
against the Commonwealth, hee shall bee put to death. 

" 13. If any Childe or Children above sixteene years old and of suffitient under- 
standing, shall Curse or smite their uatu rail father or mother, hee or they shall bee 
put to death; unless it can bee sufficiently testified that the parents have beene very 
unchristianly negligent in the education of such children, or so provoke them by ex- 
treme and cruell correction that they have been forced thereunto to preserve them- 
selves from death, maiming. Exo. 21. 17. — Levit. 20. — Ex. 21. 15. 

" 14. If any man have a stubborne and rebellious sonne of sufficient yeares and 
understanding, viz. Sixteene yeares of age, which will not obey the voice of his father 
or the voice of his mother, and that when they have chastened him will not hearken 
unto them; then may his Mather and mother, being his naturall parents, lay hold on 
him and bring him to the Magistrates assembled in Courte, and testifie unto them, 
that theire sonne is stubborne and rebellious and will not obey theire voice and Chas- 
tisement, but lives in sundry notorious Crimes, such a sonne shall bee put to death. 
Deut. 21.20, 21.' 

In 1643, the colonics of Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and 
New Haven, united into a confederacy, for their own mutual safety and 
welfare, and called themselves the " United Colonics of Neiv Eng- 
land." Each colony was authorized to send two commissioners, to 
meet annually in September, first at Boston, then at Hartford, New 
Haven, and Plymouth. The commissioners were vested with plenary 
powers for making war and peace, and rules of general concern ; espe- 
cially, to regulate the conduct of the inhabitants towards the Indians, 
for the general defense of the country, and for the support and encour- 
agement of religion. This union was of much importance to the New 
England colonies. It made them formidable to the Dutch and Indians, 
and it was one of the principal means of their preservation during the 
unsettled state and civil wars of the mother country. 

At the General Court in April, 1644, a committee was appointed, 
consisting of the governor, deputy governor, and several others, to treat 
with George Fenwick, Esq. relative to the purchase of Saybrook fort, 
and all the buildings and lands in the colony which he, and the lords 
and gentlemen interested in the patent of Connecticut, might claim. 
The negociation was successful, and the colony, in the whole, paid Mr. 
Fenwick £1,600 sterling, merely for the jurisdiction right, or for the 
old patent of Connecticut. 

About this period, tobacco was coming into use in the colony ; the fol- 
lowing curious law was made for its regulation or suppression. 

"TOBACKO. 

"Fforasmuch as it is observed, that many abuses arc crept in, and committed, by fre- 
quent taking of tobacko: 

"// is ordered bythe authority of this Courte, That no person under the age of twenty 
one years, nor any other, that hath not already accustomed himselfe to the use thereof, 
shall take any tobacko, until] hee hath brought a certificate under the hands of some 
who are approved for knowledge and skill in phisick, that .it is use full for him, and 
allso, that he hath received a lycense from the courte, for the same. — And for the 
regulating of those, who either by theire former taking it. have to theire own appre- 
hensions, made it necessary to them, or upon due advice, are persuaded to the use 
thereof: 

"It is ordered, That no man within this colonye, after the publication hereof, shall 
take any tobacko, publiquely, in the street!, highwayes, or any barne yards, or uppon 
training dayes, in any open places, under the penalty of six-pence for each offence 

3 



18 OUTLINE H1ST0KV. 

against this order, in any the perticulars thereof, to bee paid without gainesaying, up- 
pon conviction, by the testimony of one witness, that is without just exception, before 
any one magistrate. And the constables in the several 1 townes. are required to make 
presentment" to each perticular courte, of such as they doe understand, and can evict 
to bee transgressors of this order." 

Until the year 1648, the governors and magistrates appear to have 
served the people for the honor of it, and the public good. The gen- 
eral court granted the governor £30 annually. The same sum was 
granted to the deputy governor, who had presided the preceding year. 
These appear to have been the first salaries given to any civil officers 
in the colony, and to have been a compensation for the expense of the 
office, rather than for compensation for the service performed. 

Mr. Ludlow had been desired, by the General Court, for several years 
successively, to make a collection of laws which had been enacted, and 
to revise and prepare a body of laws for the colony. In the year 1649, 
he finished the work, and a code was established at the session of the 
Assembly. Until this period, punishments, being left at the discretion 
of the courts, in many instances had been uncertain and arbitrary. In 
1946, one Bartlett, for defamation, was sentenced to stand in the pillory 
during the public lecture, then to be whipped, pay £5, and suiter six 
months imprisonment. In the same year, one Turner, for the same 
crime, was sentenced to be whipped, and then imprisoned a month ; at 
the month's end to go to the post again, and then to be bound for his 
good behavior. For violation of the Sabbath, there is an instance of 
imprisonment during the pleasure of the court. Unchastity between 
single persons was sometimes punished by setting the delinquent in the 
pillory, and by whipping him from one town to another. 

In 1653, such were the injuries which had been sustained from the 
Dutch at New Netherlands, and their plotting and inciting the Indians 
against the English, that it was a year of great distress and alarm. The 
colonies of Connecticut and New Haven provided a frigate of ten or 
twelve guns, with forty men, to defend the coast against the Dutch, and 
to prevent Ninigrate and his Indians from crossing the Sound, in prose- 
cution of his hostile designs against the Indians in alliance with the col- 
onies. In the following year, 1654, the colony having received an or- 
der from Parliament to treat the Dutch as declared enemies, the Dutch 
house and lands at Hartford were seized for the benefit of the common- 
wealth. 

In 1655, Governor Eaton finished the compilation of a code of laws 
for the New Haven colony. For his assistance, he was requested, by 
the General Court, to consult the Rev. Mr. Cotton's discourse on civil 
government in a new plantation, and the laws of Massachusetts. The 
laws having been examined and approved by the elders of the jurisdic- 
tion, they were presented to the General Court. They ordered that 
five hundred copies should be printed. The copy was sent to Eng- 
land to be printed, under the inspection of Gov. Hopkins. " He pro- 
cured the printing of the laws at his own expense, and sent the number 
proposed, with some other valuable books, as a present. The laws 
were distributed to the several towns in the jurisdiction." 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 



19 



In 1661, Governor Winthrop of Connecticut was appointed a^ent of 
the colony, to go to England and present a petition to Kin* Charles II 
tor the purpose of obtaining a patent. The governor was a man of 
address, and he arrived in England at a happy time for Connecticut. 
Eord Say and Seal, the great friend of the colony, had been particu- 
larly instrumental in restoring Charles to the throne of his father and 
was now m high favor at court. The earl of Manchester, another friend 
of the puritans, was chamberlain of his majesty's household Mr Win- 
throp had an extraordinary ring, which had been given his grandfather 
by King Char es I. which he presented to the king. This, it is said, 
exceedingly pleased his majesty, as it had been once the property of a 
father most dear to him. Under all these favorable circumstances, the 
pet.tion o Connecticut was presented, and was received with uncommon 
grace and favor. Upon the 20th of April, 1662, his majesty granted 
the colony his letters patent, conveying the most ample privili-es, under 
the great seal of England. 

The colony of New Haven was by the charter included within the 
limits of Connecticut. This gave great dissatisfaction to most of the 
inhabitants of New Haven colony. Their ministers and churches were 
universally agamst being united with Connecticut. Mr. Davenport and 
others of the colony were strong in the opinion, that all government 
should be in the church. No person in this colony could be a freeman 
unless he was a member of the church in full communion. But in Con- 
necticut, all orderly persons, possessing a freehold to a certain amount, 
might be free of the corporation. The New Haven people were un- 
doubtedly 1 earful that an unoin with Connecticut would mar the purity 
and order of their churches, and have a bad effect on the civil adminis- 
trations. It was also a painful reflection, that after they had been at so 
much pains and expense to form a distinct commonwealth, that their 
existence as a separate people should cease, and their name be obliter- 
ated. After considerable trouble and difficulty, the two colonies of 
Connecticut and New Haven, at the general election, May 11th, 1655 
united in one, and John Winthrop, Esq. was chosen governor 

On March 12th 1664, King Charles II. gave a patent to his brother, 
the Duke of York and Albany, of several extensive tracts of land in 
North America, m which the lands on the west side of Connecticut 
river were included. After granting the patent, an armament was sent 
from England, under Colonel Richard Nichols, for the reduction of the 
Dutch possessions in America. Col. Nichols had a commission, noi 
only lor this purpose, but also for hearing and determining all matters 
of complaint and controversy between the New England colonies Af- 
ter Col. Nichols had subdued New Netherlands, and given it its pres- 
ent name, New York, he, with his associates, appointed by the Crown 
met with the agents appointed by Connecticut, and on the 30th of No- 
vember 1664, determined that the western boundary of Connecticut 
should be a line beginning on the east side of Mo.noronock creek or 
river at the place where the salt water meets the fresh, at high water 
and thence north northwest to the line of Massachusetts. The com- 
missioners also determined the southern bounds of the colony of Con- 



20 O T 1. 1 N E H 1 S T (IKY. 

necticut to be the sea. By this decision, Connecticut lost all her pos- 
sessions on Long Island. The granting of such extraordinary powers 
to Col. Nichols and his associates, awakened in the colonies a serious 
apprehension for their liberties. 

Upon the pacification of the Dutch, the Duke of York took out a 
new patent from the king, dated June "29th, 1674, granting the same 
territory described in a former patent. Immediately after, he commis- 
sioned Major, afterwards Sir Edmund An dross, to be governor of New 
York and all his territories in these parts. Andross was a mere tool of 
the Duke, and a tyrant of the people. By virtue of the patent to the 
Duke of York, he laid claim to the lands on the ivcsl side of Connecti- 
cut river, notwithstanding the priority of the patent of Connecticut, 
and in violation of the agreement of 1664. To enforce his claims, he 
attempted in 1675 to take the fort at Saybrook ; he was however de- 
feated in this attempt, by the firmness and resolution of Capt. Bull. 

In 1675, Philip, sachem of the Wampanogas, began the most de- 
structive war ever waged by the Indians upon the infant colonies. Lest 
he should increase his power by an alliance with the Narragansetts, the 
English made a friendly treaty with them in July, 1675. But notwith- 
standing this, in December of the same year, it was discovered that they 
were secretly aiding Phhilip's party. This determined the English to 
undertake a winter expedition against them. For this object the colo- 
ny of Massachusetts furnished live hundred and twenty seven men, 
Plymouth one hundred and fifty nine, and Connecticut three hundred ; 
to all these were attached one hundred and fifty Mohegan Indians. 
After electing Josiah Winslow, governor of Plymouth colony, to be 
their commander, the whole party met at Pettyquamsquot. About 
sixteen miles from this place, it was found that the Narragansetts had 
built a strong fort in the midst of a large swamp, upon a piece of dry 
land of about five or six acres. The fort was a circle of pallisadoes, 
surrounded by a fence of trees, which was about one rod thick. 

On the 19th of December, 1675, at dawn of day, the English took 
up their march through a deep snow, and at 4 o'clock in the afternoon 
attacked the Indians in their fortress. The only entrance which ap- 
peared practicable, was over a log or tree, which lay up five or six feet 
from the ground, and this opening was commanded by a sort of block- 
house in front. The Massachusetts men, led on by their captains, first 
rushed into the fort, but the enemy, from the block-house and other 
places opened so furious a fire upon them, that they were obliged to 
retreat. Many men were killed in this assault, and among them Cap- 
tains Johnson and Davenport. The whole army then made a united 
onset. The conflict was terrible, some of the bravest captains fell, and 
victory seemed very doubtful. At this crisis, some of the Connecticut 
men ran to the opposite side of the fort, where there were no pallisa- 
does ; they sprang in, and opened a brisk and well directed fire upon 
the backs of the enemy. This decided the contest. The Indians were 
driven from the block-house, and from one covert to another, until they 
were wholly destroyed or dispersed in the wilderness. As they retreat- 
ed, the soldiers set fire to their wigwams, (about six hundred in num- 



OUTLINE HISTORY. ■> I 

her,) which were consumed by the flames. In this action it was com- 
puted that about seven hundred fighting Indians perished, and anion" - 
them twenty of their chiefs. Three hundred more died from their 
wounds — to these numbers may be added many old men, women and 
children, who had retired to this fort as a place of undoubted security. 

" Of the three hundred Englishmen from Connecticut, eighty were 
killed and wounded, twenty in Captain Seely's, twenty in Captain Gal- 
lop's seventeen in Captain Watt's, nine in Captain Mason's, and four- 
teen in Captain Marshall's company. Of these about forty were killed 
or died of their wounds. About half the loss, in this bloody action 
fell upon Connecticut. The legislature of the colony, in a representa- 
tion of the services they had performed in the war, say ' In that signal 
service, the fort fight, in Narragansett, as we had our full number, in pro- 
portion with the other confederates, so all say they did their full propor- 
tion of service. Three noble soldiers, Seely, courageous Marshall, and 
bold Gallop, died in the bed of honor; and valiant Mason, a fourth cap- 
tain, had his death's wound. There died many brave officers and sen- 
tinels, whose memory is blessed, and whose death redeemed our lives. 
The bitter cold, the tarled swamp, the tedious march, the stong fort, 
the numerous and stubborn enemy they contended with, for their God, 
king, and country, be their trophies over death. He that commanded 
our forces then, and now us, made no less than seventeen fair shots at 
the enemy, and was thereby as oft a fair mark for them. Our mourn- 
ers, over all the colony, witness for our men, that they were not un- 
faithful in that day.' It is the tradition, that Major, afterwards Gover- 
nor Treat, received a ball through the brim of his hat ; that he was the 
last man who left the fort, in the dusk of the evening, commanding the 
rear of the army. The burning of the wigwams, the shrieks and cries 
of the women and children, and the yelling of the warriors, exhibited a 
most horrible and affecting scene, so that it greatly moved some of the 
soldiers. They were in much doubt then, and afterwards often serious- 
ly enquired, whether burning their enemies alive could be consistent 
with humanity, and the benevolent principles of the gospel."* 

In 1685, Charles II. died, and was succeeded by the Duke of York, 
who took the title of James II. The latter part of the reign of Charles 
had been distinguished by an oppression of his subjects. He lightly 
regarded the charters which he had at different times granted, and tri- 
fled with the rights, property and liberty of his subjects. The op- 
pression of Charles was increased rather than diminished by James, 
who was a tyrant and a bigoted Catholic. It was the object of those 
in power at that time, to procure a surrender of all the patents of the 
colonies, and form the whole northern part of America into twelve 
provinces, with a governor general over the whole. 

In July, 16S5, a quo warranto was issued against the governor and 
company of Connecticut, requiring their appearance before him, within 
eight days of St. Martin's, to show by what warrant they exercised cer- 
tain powers and privileges. In July, 1686, the Assembly of the colony 



* Trumbull's History of Connecticut. 



22 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

agreed upon an address to his majesty, in which they in the most sup- 
pliant terms besought him to recall the writ against them, entreated his 
pardon for any faults in their government, and humbly requested the 
continuance of their charter. On the 21st of the same month, two 
writs of quo warranto were delivered to Governor Treat. They were 
brought over by Edward Randolph, a noted enemy of the colonies. 
The time of appearance before his majesty was past before the writs 
arrived. On the 23th of December, another writ of quo warranto was 
served on the governor and company, bearing date Oct. 23d, requiring 
their appearance before his majesty, within eight days of the Purifica- 
tion of the Blessed Virgin. Though these writs gave no proper time 
for the appearance of the colony, yet they declared all its chartered 
rights vacated, upon its not appearing at time and place. 

When the writs of quo warranto arrived in 1686, the governor con- 
voked a special Assembly, on the 23th of July. Mr. Whiting was ap- 
pointed the agent of Connecticut, to present their petition and use every 
effort for the preservation of their chartered rights. Mr. Whiting, how- 
ever, found his utmost efforts to be in vain ; the king and council had 
determined to vacate all the charters, and unite all the colonies to the 
crown, under a governor of royal appointment. Sir Edmund Andross 
was appointed the first governor general over New England, and arrived 
at Boston, Dec. 19th, 1686. He immediately wrote to the governor 
and company of Connecticut, to resign their charter, but without suc- 
cess. In October, 1687, Andross with a company of soldiers arrived 
at Hartford, while the Assembly was in session, and demanded a sur- 
render of their charter. The charter was produced, and while the offi- 
cers of the government were debating with Andross on the subject, the 
lights were suddenly extinguished, and the charter was seized and se- 
creted in a hollow oak. Andross, hewever, proceeded to take formal 
possession of the government, annexed it to Massachusetts and ap- 
pointed officers, civil and military. 

Andross began his government with the most flattering professions of 
regard to the happiness and welfare of the people. But he soon threw 
off the mask, and exercised arbitrary and despotic power, in the most 
unlimited manner. As all the charter governments were either vacated 
or suspended, it was declared that the title of the colonists to ther lands 
was of no value. Andross declared that Indian deeds were no better 
than " the scratch of a bear's paiv." The proprietors of lands, after 
fifty and sixty years' improvement of the soil, were obliged in many in- 
stances to take out new patents for their estates, for which a heavy fee 
was demanded. This, with numerous other proceedings, equally arbi- 
trary, made the people indeed to feel the weight of oppression. Hap- 
pily the reign of the " tyrant of New England," was of short duration. 
King James, his royal master, had rendered himself so odious in Eng- 
land, that he was obliged to flee from the kingdom. William, Prince 
of Orange, landed in England, Nov. 5th, 1688, and delivered the na- 
tion. Upon the news of the revolution, on the 18th of April, 1689, 
the inhabitants of Boston and its vicinity rose in arms, made themselves 
masters of the Castle, arrested Sir Edmund Andross and his council, 



OUTLINE 11 I S T R V ■ 23 

and persuaded the old governor and council to resume the government. 
Connecticut obtained, from the most able lawyers in England, an opin- 
ion that the colony, not having surrendered the charter under seal, and 
no judgment being entered on record, the charter was not invalidated; 
the former government was, therefore, re-established. 

About this period, great complaints were made in England, against 
the colonies, for harboring pirates ; and that no laws had been made 
against them. A letter had been written to the governor and company 
by Lyonel Jenkins, Esq. complaining of this neglect, and demanding 
in his majesty's name that a law should forthwith be made against pi- 
racy. A special Assembly was consequently called, on the 5th of July, 
1684, and a law enacted against it, and a copy of it immediately for- 
warded to his majesty's secretary of state.* 

In August, 1692, Col. Benjamin Fletcher, governor of New York, 
arrived at the seat of his appointment, having a commission authorizing 
him to take command of the militia of Connecticut and the neighboring 
colonies. As this power was expressly given to the colony of Con- 

* The memory of that noted pirate, Capt. Kidd, is still held in remembrance in all 
parts of Connecticut, from the belief by some that he buried large sums of money on 
the coast or near the banks of rivers. The following circumstantial account of 
Kidd's visit to Gardiner's Island was recently communicated to the author of this 
work, by John G. Gardiner, Esq. of Gardiner's Island. 

"We have" says Mr. Gardiner, " a small piece, a sample of cloth fgold, which 
mv father received from Mrs. Wetmore, mother of the wife of Capt. Mather, (com- 
mander of the Revenue Cutter,) New London. I send you an extract from her letter, 
ffiving an account of Capt. Kidd's living on this island." 

"I remember when very young, hearing my mother say that her grandmother was 
wife to Lord Gardiner when the pirate (Kidd) came to Gardiner s Island The Cap- 
tain wanted Mrs. Gardiner to roast him a pig ; she being afraid to reluse him, cooked 
it very nice and he was much pleased with it; he then made her a present oi this 
silk which she gave to her two daughters. Where the other went or whether it is in 
beiii" I know not— but this was handed down to me; it has been kept very nice, and 
I believe is now as good as when first given, which must be upwards of a hundred 
years," &c. &c. The following is an extract from an account we have of property 
belonging to Kidd. ^^ ^ ^^ ^ July ^ J(m 

« A true account of all such gold, silver, jewels and merchandize late in the posses- 
sionof Cant William Kidd, which have been seized and secured by us, undei writ- 
tenpersuant to an o?der from his excellency, Richard Earl ol Bellmon^ Captain 
General and Governor in Chief, in and over her majesty's province of the Massachu- 

SC '' Then foflowTanlt of valuables found in possession of Captain Kidd at the time 
of his capture, and others with whom he had probably deposited goods as with Mr. 

Received the 17th instant, of Mr. John Gardiner., viz : < Kmces. 

No. 1. One bag dust gold, - - - !?"* 

" 2. One bag coined gold, - - ' l 

And in silver, - * 

" 3. One bag dust gold, - " ~ • 

" 4. One bag silver rings and sundry precious stones, - 4| 

" 5. One bag unpolished stones, - - 1-4 

" G. One piece crystal, Cornelian i ings, two small agats, two am- 

athists, all in the same bag. 
" 7. One bag silver buttons and lamps. 
" 8. One bag broken silver - 



9. One bag gold bars, - - ;;:,;'' 

10. One bag gold bars, - ~£| 

11. One bag dust gold, - - - JJ"« 

12. One bag silver bars. . - - - - ouj 



24 O U T L I N i: II I S T OUT. 

necticut by their charter, the Legislature would not submit to his requi- 
sition, and at a special session in September, 1693, the Court appointed 
a petition to be drafted, and Major General Fitz John Winthrop was 
appointed to present it to his majesty King William, and use his best 
endeavors for the preservation of their chartered rights. The colony 
also sent William Pitkin, Esq. to New York, to endeavor to make terms 
with Governor Fletcher respecting the militia, until his majesty's pleas- 
ure should be further known. No terms, however, could be made, short 
of an entire submission of the militia to his command. 

" On the 26th of October, he came to Hartford, while the Assembly 
were sitting, and, in his majesty's name demanded their submission of 
the militia to his command, as they would answer it to his majesty ; and 
that they would give him a speedy answer in two words, yes, or no. 
He subscribed himself his majesty's lieutenant and commander in chief 
of the militia, and of all the forces by sea or land, and of all the forts 
and places of strength in the colony of Connecticut.* He ordered the 
militia of Hartford under arms, that he might beat up for volunteers. It 
was judged expedient to call the train bands in Hartford together; but 
the Assembly insisted, that the command of the militia was expressly 
vested, by charter, in the governor and company ; and that they could 
by no means, consistently with their just rights and the common safety, 
resign it into any other hands. They insinuated, that his demands 
were an invasion of their essential privileges, and subversive of their 
constitution. 

"Upon this, Colonel Bayard, by his excellency's command, sent a 
letter into the Assembly, declaring, that his excellency had no design 
upon the civil rights of the colony; but would leave them, in all re- 
spects as he found them. In the name of his excellency, he tendered 
a commission to Governor Treat, empowering him to command the mi- 
litia of the colony. He declared, that his excellency insisted, that they 
should acknowledge it an essential right inherent in his majesty to com- 
mand the militia ; and that he was determined not to set his foot out of 
the colony until he had seen his majesty's commission obeyed : That 
he would issue his proclamation, showing the means he had taken to 



" Capt. William (not Hobert, as the song goes) Kidd, was commander of the sloop 
Antonio; received a commission to cruise as a privateer, tinned pirate, was guilty of 
murder — was taken, and carried into Boston ; was tried, condemned, and executed — 
not as a pirate — but as a murderer. He was here with his accomplices a short time 
before he was taken ; how long he remained on this island 1 know not. While here, 
he told Mr. Gardiner where he had deposited the iron chests which contained the 
treasure above described, and left it in his care, with the injunction, "that he must an- 
swer for it with his head." The chests were buried in a swamp, the west side of this 
island. 

"After Kidd's capture, the governor of Massachusetts sent and claimed the property 
of Mr. Gardiner, who was very unwilling to part with it — informed the Governor's 
messengers upon what conditions it was intrusted to his care; and if Kidd should 
ever call for it his lifr must be the forfeiture. They however assured him that there 
was no danger from that source, as Kidd was secured, and he delivered it all up to 

thrill. 

"There has been much digging here upon this island for Kidd's money, even within 
half a dozen years, all along the coast. But 1 think it doubtful whether there was 
ever any buried except that which was buried here." 

* Governor Fletcher's letter on file. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 25 

give ease and satisfaction to his majesty's subjects of Connecticut, and 
that, he would distinguish the disloyal from the rest.* 

"The Assembly, nevertheless, would not give up the command of 
the militia ; nor would Governor Treat receive a commission from Co- 
lonel Fletcher. 

" The train bands of Hartford assembled, and as the tradition is, while 
Captain Wadsworth, the senior officer, was walking in front of the 
companies, and exercising the soldiers, Colonel Fletcher ordered his 
commission and instructions to be read. Captain Wadsworth instantly 
commanded, " Beat the drums;" and there was such a roaring of them 
that nothing else could be heard. Colonel Fletcher commanded silence. 
But no sooner had Bayard made an attempt to read again, than Wads- 
worth commands, " Drum, (hum, I say." The drummers understood 
their business, and instantly beat up with all the art and life of which 
they were masters. " Silence, silence," says the Colonel. No sooner 
was there a pause, than Wadsworth speaks with great earnestness, 
"Drum, drum, I say ;" and turning to his excellency, said, " If I am 
interrupted again I will make the sun shine through you in a moment." 
He spoke with such energy in his voice and meaning in his countenance, 
that no further attempts were made to read or enlist men. Such num- 
bers of people collected together, and their spirits appeared so high, 
that the governor and his suite judged it expedient, soon to leave the 
town and return to New York."f 

Gen. Winthrop having arrived in England, presented the petition to 
his majesty. " His majesty's attorney and solicitor-general gave their 
opinion in favor of Connecticut's commanding the militia ; and on the 
19th of April, 1694, his majesty in council determined according to 
the report they had made." As it was a time of war with the French, 
the quota of Connecticut was fixed at one hundred and twenty men, to 
be at the command of Gov. Fletcher during the war ; the rest of the 
militia, as usual, under the Governor of Connecticut. 

Until the session in October, 1698, the General Assembly consisted 
of but one house, and the magistrates and deputies appear to have acted 
together. But at this time it was enacted that the Assembly should 
consist of two houses. The governor, or in his absence, the deputy 
governor, and magistrates, composed the upper house. The lower 
house consisted of deputies, now usually called representatives, from 
the several towns in the colony. This house was authorized to choose 
a speaker to preside. From this time no public act could be passed 
into a law, but by the consent of both houses. In 1701, it was enacted 
that the October session of the Assembly should be annually held in 
New Haven. Previous to this time, and ever since the union of the 
colonies, the Assembly had convened, both in May and October, at 
Hartford. 

About this time, for the maintenance of good morals, and the sup- 
pression of vicious and disorderly practices, the Assembly " ordered, 
that a sober and religious man be appointed, by the county court in 



* Colonel Bayard's letter on file. 1 Trumbull's History of Connecticut. 

4 



26 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

each of the counties, to be an attorney for her majesty to prosecute all 
criminal offenders." At this period the colony was in a critical situa- 
tion. It was in danger and put. to a great expense on account of the 
war with France ; it was also continually harassed by the demands of 
Dudley, Governor of Massachusetts, and of Lord Cornbury, Governor 
of New York and the Jerseys, for men and money, as they pretended, 
for the defense of their respective governments. Dudley, it appears, 
wished to unite all New England under his own government. If this 
could be effected, it seems Cornbury expected to have the government 
of the southern colonies. These men, having a powerful party at 
court, would have probably succeeded in their plans had it not been for 
the efforts of Sir Henry Ashurst, who was an agent for Connecticut, 
and a firm friend to the rights of the colonies. 

The expedition for the reduction of the French in Canada, in 1709, 
was the occasion of the first emission of paper money in Connecticut. 
In this expedition Connecticut was obliged to raise 350 men, who were 
placed under the command of Col. Whiting, of which ninety perished 
in this disastrous campaign. 

On the 8th of June, 1709, at a special Assembly, it was enacted, 
" That to assist in the expedition, for want of money otherwise to carry 
it on, there be forthwith imprinted a certain number of bills of credit, 
on the colony, in suitable sums, from two shillings to five pounds, which, 
in the whole, shall amount to the sum of 8,000 pounds, and no more." 
It was enacted that the bills should be issued from the treasury as 
money, but should be received in payments at one shilling on the pound 
better than money. One half only was to be signed and issued at first, 
and the other was to remain unsigned until it should be found necessary 
to put it into circulation. Taxes were imposed for the calling in of 
one half of it within the term of one year, and the other at the expi- 
ration of two years. 

The number of inhabitants in Connecticut in the year 1713, was 
about 17,000. There were four counties, (Hartford, New London, 
New Haven and Fairfield,) and thirty eight taxable towns, who sent 
forty delegates to the Assembly. The militia consisted of a regiment 
to each county, and amounted to nearly 4,000 effective men. At this 
time the shipping in the colony consisted of two small brigs and twenty 
sloops; the number of seamen did not exceed one hundred and twenty. 
There was but a single clothier in the colony, " and the most he could 
do was to full the cloth which was made; most of the cloth manufac- 
tured was worn without shearing or pressing." The trade was very 
limited. The only articles directly exported to Great Britain were tur- 
pentine, pitch, tar, and fur. The principal trade was with Boston, 
New York, and the West Indies. To the two former places they traded 
in the produce of the colony : wheat, rye, barley, Indian corn, peas, 
pork, beef, and fat cattle. To the West Indies the merchants exported 
horses, staves, hoops, pork, beef and cattle. In return they received 
rum, sugar, molasses, cotton wool, bills of exchange, and sometimes 
small sums of money. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 27 

The General Assembly met twice in a year, but their sessions did 
not generally exceed ten days. The annual expense of the two ses- 
sions was about 1,000 dollars. The salary of the governor was about 
S00, and that of the deputy governor 200 dollars. The whole expense 
of government did not probably exceed 3,500 dollars. This amount 
was usually below the salary annually allowed to a royal governor in 
the colonies. 

Although the colony had been able to maintain their charter privile- 
ges against the intrigues of Dudley, Cornbury, and other enemies, yet 
they were under many apprehensions that their chartered privileges 
would be taken from them. There were strong parties in England, 
and some in the colonies, who were unfriendly to the charter govern- 
ments — deeming them too independent of the crown and government 
of Great Britain. In addition to these circumstances, a decision in 
England in regard to one of the laws of the colony respecting intestate 
estates, created much alarm. John Winthrop, Esq. son of the last 
Governor Winthrop, became disaffected towards the government ; he 
conceived that his family had been injured, and that his ancestors had 
not been rewarded according to the public services which they had ren- 
dered to the colony. He had been engaged in a long controversy with 
Thomas Lynchmere, Esq. The court of probate, as he imagined, had 
made an unjust and illegal settlement of his paternal estate in favor of 
his sister, Mrs. Lynchmere ; he therefore, after going through the courts 
of the colony, in which he was unable to obtain redress, appealed to his 
majesty. Upon hearing the case in England, the law of Connecticut 
was adjudged repugnant to English law, as not securing the lands to male 
heirs and admitting daughters to a share in the paternal estate, which the 
English laws did not warrant. In July, 1728, the colony received a 
letter from their agent, Jeremiah Dummer, Esq. declaring that their 
law respecting the settlement of intestate estates was " null and void." 

The Legislature, deeming that the consequences of annulling this law 
would be disastrous to the internal peace of the colony, determined to 
spare no pains or expense in order to prevent it. They employed 
another agent, Jonathan Belcher, Esq. afterwards Governor of Massa- 
chusetts, to assist agent Dummer in his defense of the colony, and in 
pleading for the continuance of the law respecting intestate estates. 
These agents conducted the affairs of the colony with such wisdom and 
success that the charter was preserved and the law retained. 

In the expedition of the New England colonies against Louisburg, 
in 1745, Connecticut furnished upwards of 1000 men. For the en- 
couragement of the men to enlist, the Assembly voted a bounty of ten 
pounds to each soldier who should furnish himself with arms, knapsack 
and blanket ; and three pounds to every soldier who should not be able 
to arm himself. Five hundred men were divided into eight companies, 
and Roger Wolcott, Esq. lieutenant governor, was appointed the com- 
mander. At the time of the siege, 200 men were sent on in addition, 
by Connecticut, and after the reduction of Louisburg, the colony pro- 
vided 350 men to keep garrison during the winter. A sloop was also 
furnished, manned with 100 men. 



28 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

While the war continued against the French in Canada, Connecticut 
made great exertions, and did more most of the time than double her 
proportion, compared with the rest of the colonies. In the year 1759, 
she had more than six thousand men in actual service. At this period 
the militia were more numerous than at present, according to the popu- 
lation, as all from the a<je of sixteen to sixty, were obliged to bear arms. 
In the year 176*2, the New England colonies rendered very important 
services in the reduction of Havanna and Martinique. It was, how- 
ever, a fatal enterprise to most of the JNew England troops; of nearly 
1000 men, who were engaged in the expedition, not 100 returned. 
Such as were not killed in the service, were swept away by the bilious 
plague. 

After the definitive treaty of peace, signed at Paris, Feb. 10th, 1763, 
which ended the French wars, the extension of settlements, commerce, 
wealth and population in Connecticut, were extremely rapid. "After 
the peace, an almost boundless scope of commerce and enterprise was 
given to the colonists. In these favorable circumstances, with the re- 
turn of thousands of her brave and industrious inhabitants to the culti- 
vation of their fields, and the various arts and labors of peace, the colony 
was soon able to exonerate itself from the debt contracted by the war." 
These prosperous circumstances continued till the beginning of the 
Revolution. 

Connecticut, by her charter, granted in 1662, extended from Narra- 
gansett river on the east to the South Sea on the west, excepting such 
lands as were then occupied by prior settlers. Nearly nineteen years 
afterwards, William Penn obtained a grant of lands on the west side of 
the Delaware river, extending northward to the 43d degree of latitude ; 
this covered part of the territory embraced in the Connecticut charter. 
For nearly a century after the charter was obtained, Connecticut neg- 
lected to claim thest lands, which lay westward of the colony of New 
York. But after she had granted all her lands eastward of that colony, 
a company was formed with the design of planting the lands within her 
charter, on the Susquehannah. This company was formed in 1753, 
and the next year a purchase was made from the sachems of the Six 
Nations of a large tract, at Wyoming. In 1774, the settlement was 
formed into a town, called Westmoreland, which sent representatives to 
the Assembly of Connecticut. 

The treaty of the Connecticut men with the Indians, and their pur- 
chase of the lands, excited the jealousy of the proprietaries of Pennsyl- 
vania. They proceeded to take a deed of the same lands from some of 
the chiefs, who declined signing the deed to the Connecticut purcha- 
sers. Grants of land were made by Pennsylvania, and settlements be- 
gun, which excited warm disputes, and an attempt was made to drive 
the Connecticut settlers from the lands by force of arms. In 1770, the 
Legislature of Connecticut sent certain questions to England to be pro- 
posed to the most able lawyers there, respecting her title to the lands 
in question. The answers were favorable to her claims, and she de* 
termined to support them. But the Revolutionary war suspended the 
controversy, until 1781, when both states agreed to appoint commisr- 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 29 

sioners to settle the dispute. An act of Congress was passed, constitu- 
ting these commissioners a court to hear and determine the controversy. 
In November, 1782, the commissioners met at Trenton, N. J. This 
court decided that Connecticut had no right to the lands in question, 
and that the territory comprised in the chartered limits of Pennsylvania 
belonged of right to her. Although Connecticut acquiesced in the de- 
cision at Trenton, yet she maintained her claim to all the territory within 
the ran^e of the north and south boundaries of the state, as expressed 
in the charter, lying west of Pennsylvania, and extending to the Mis- 
sissippi. With a view to obtain the implied sanction of their charter 
claims, Connecticut in 17S6, by their delegates in Congress, ceded to 
the United States all the lands within the charter limits, west of Penn- 
sylvania, excepting a tract 120 miles in length, adjoining that state on 
the west. This cession was accepted. A part of the reserved lands, 
amounting to half a million of acres, was granted by the state to the 
inhabitants of New London, Fairfield and Norwalk, whoso property 
had been destroyed by the enemy during the Revolutionary war. The 
remainder was sold in 1795, and the money arising from the sale con- 
stitutes the School Fund, for the support of schools throughout the state. 
The title of Connecticut to the reserved lands, was confirmed by Con- 
gress in 1800. This territory, now forming part of the state of Ohio, 
is still called the Connecticut or Western Reserve. 

During the great struggle of the Revolution, Connecticut was one of 
the foremost in the confederacy in resisting the tyranny of Britain, and 
was lavish of her blood and treasure in sustaining the conflict against 
her oppressions. Her soldiers were applauded by the commander in 
chief of the American armies for their bravery and fidelity. In the 
last war with Great Britain, in the first conflict on the ocean, the first 
flag was struck to a native of Connecticut: on the land, the first flag 
which was taken, was also surrendered to one of her sons. 

The founders of Connecticut were men of intelligence, virtue and 
piety, and understood the great principles of civil and religious liberty; 
hence they laid the foundations of those institutions which distinguish 
her among her sister states of the Union. Ever republican in her form 
of government, she has in effect, ever been a free and independent com- 
monwealth ; and whilst the other colonies were suffering under the dom- 
ination of Royal Governors, she has from the beginning, been governed 
by rulers of her own choice. 

After the declaration of independence, Connecticut did not follow 
the example of most of the other states, and adopt a written constitu- 
tion, but continued the government according to the ancient form ; a 
statute being enacted, the session following the declaration of American 
independence, July 4th, 1776, which provided that the government 
should continue to be organized and administered according to the pro- 
visions of the charter. This form of government continued without any 
very essential alteration till 1818. In this year, a convention of dele- 
gates from the several towns, elected by the people, convened in Hart- 
ford, and after a session of about three weeks, framed a constitution of 
civil government for the state. This being submitted to the electors 



30 HARTFORD COUNTY, 

on the 5th of October, 1818, was ratified by them by a majority of 
fifteen hundred and fifty four votes. 

Although small in her territorial limits, Connecticut can boast of dis- 
tinguished men in almost every department in life. For patriotism and 
love of country, she can point to a Sherman, her Trumbulls, and her 
martyrs Hale, Ledyard and Wooster. For bravery, bold and daring 
enterprises, she can point to an Allen, Eaton, Arnold and Ledyard. 
"In theology," (says the Edinburgh Review,) "Jonathan Edwards is 
the very Euclid of divines; and the Americans would do well, in claim- 
ing due honor for their geniuses, to put him at the head of the list, for the 
country never produced a greater." In holy zeal and devotion to the 
sacred cause of Christianity, as a missionary, David Biainerd stands con- 
fessedly the first in modern times. For men of genius in the various de- 
partments of science, the mechanic and other arts, Connecticut is second 
to none of her sister states. Trumbull, Barlow, Dvvight, and others, are 
among the first of American poets ; and Trumbull, in every thing that 
constitutes a great historical painter, is the first among his countrymen. 



HARTFORD COUNTY. 



Hartford County was constituted such in 1666. Its original limits 
comprised an extensive district of country on both sides of Connecticut 
river, the entire county of Tolland, most of the counties of Middlesex 
and Windham, and a part of the counties of Litchfield and New London. 
The present extent of the county is about 30 miles from north to south, 
and averages 25 miles in breadth from east to west. It is bounded n. 
by Hampden County in Massachusetts, e. by Tolland County, w. by 
Litchfield, and s. by the counties of Middlesex and New Haven. This 
county as a whole, in resources, wealth and population, will rank before 
any other in the state ; and in many respects, before any in New Eng- 
land. The valley of the Connecticut is justly celebrated for the extent 
and richness of its meadows ; and there is no section throughout its 
whole course, where they are more enlarged or fertile than in this 
county. The soil generally is rich, various and fertile, and is for the 
most part highly cultivated ; well adapted to a grain culture, particularly 
that of rye and Indian corn, of which large quantities are annually 
raised. The county is intersected nearly in the center by Connecticut 
river ; in its western part by a range of greenstone mountains, called in 
some parts the Talcott Mountains. It is watered by several streams, 
among which are the Farmington, Hockanum, Scantic and Podunk 
rivers, all of which discharge their waters into the Connecticut. 

A great variety of manufactures is carried on in the county, many 
of which are extensive, and employ a considerable amount of capital. 
They will be noticed in the account of the several towns. The follow- 
ing is a list of the several towns in the county, with the population ac- 
cording to the census of ] 830. 



HARTFORD 



31 



Hartford, - 


- 9,789 


East Hartford, 


2,237 


Manchester, - 


1,576 


Avon, 


■ 1,025 


East Windsor, 


3,537 


Marlborough, 


704 


Berlin, 


- 3,037 


Enfield, - - 


2,129 


Simsbury, 


2,221 


Bloomfield, 




Farmington, - 


1,901 


Southington, - 


1,844 


Bristol, 


- 1 ,707 


Glastenbury, 


2,980 


Suffield, - - 


2,690 


Burlington, 


- 1,301 


Granby, - - 


2 722 


Wethersfield, 


3.853 


Canton, - 


- 1 ,437 


Hartland, - - 


1^221 


Windsor, 


3,220 



HARTFORD. 






The first English settlement in Hartford was commenced in 1635, 
by Mr. John Steel and his associates from Newtown, (now Cambridge,) 
in Massachusetts. The main body of the first settlers, with Mr. Hooker 
at their head, did not arrive till the following year. 

"About the beginning of June, (says Dr. Trumbull,) Mr. Hooker, 
Mr. Stone, and about one hundred men, women and children, took their 
departure from Cambridge, and traveled more than a hundred miles, 
through a hideous and trackless wilderness, to Hartford. They had no 
guide but their compass, and made their way over mountains, through 
swamps, thickets and rivers, which were not passable but with great 
difficulty. They had no cover but the heavens, nor any lodgings but 
those that simple nature afforded them. They drove with them a hun- 
dred and sixty head of cattle, and by the way subsisted on the milk of 
their cows. Mrs. Hooker was borne through the wilderness upon a lit- 
ter. The people carried their packs, arms, and some utensils. They 
were nearly a fortnight on their journey." " This adventure was the 
more remarkable, as many of this company were persons of figure, who 
had lived in England, in honor, affluence and delicacy, and were entire 
strangers to fatigue and danger."* 

The Indian name of Hartford was Suckias;. A deed appears to have 
been given by Sunckquasson, the sachem of the place, about 1636, to 
Samuel Stone and William Goodwin, who appear to have acted in be- 
half of the first settlers. 

The town of Hartford is bounded n. by Windsor and Bloomfield, e. 
by Connecticut river, s. by Wethersfield, and w. by Farmington and 
Avon. It is about six miles in length from north to south, and aver- 
ages about five in breadth. The western part of the town has a soil of 



* At that period, it is believed that the forests were much more passable than at 
present. Dr. Hildreth,of Ohio, in describing the new lands at the west, says: "While 
the red men possessed the country, and every autumn set lire to the fallen leaves, the 
forests presented a most noble and enchanting appearance. The annual firings pre- 
vented the growth of shrubs and underbrush, and destroying Jhe lower branches ol 
the trees, the eye roved with delight, from ridge to ridge and from hill to hill ; which, 
like the divisions of an immense temple, were crowded with innumerable pillars, the 
branches of whose shafts interlocking, formed the arch work of support to that leafy 
roof which covered and crowned the whole. Cut since the white man took possession, 
the annual fires have been checked, and the woodlands are now filled with shrubs and 
young trees, obstructing the vision on every side, and converting these once beautiful 
forests into a rude and tasteless wilderness." 



32 



HARTFORD 



red gravelly earth, very rich and productive. That part near the river 
is covered with a strong clay, or a rich black mold. The latter is prin- 
cipally in the valuable tract of meadow adjacent to Connecticut river. 

Hartford City was incorporated in 1784; it is over a mile in 
length upon the river, and about three fourths of a mile in breadth. 
The alluvial flat upon the river is narrow, being from 40 to 100 rods, 
and is connected with the upland by a very gradual elevation. It is sit- 
uated on the west side of Connecticut river, 50 miles from its mouth, 
in Lat. 41° 45' and Long. 4° 15' e. from Washington. It is 123 miles 
n. e. New York, 34 n. n. e. New Haven, 15 n. Middletown, 44 n. w. 
New London, 74 w. Providence, 100 w. s. w. Boston, and 97 s. e. Al- 
bany. The legislature of the state assembles alternately at Hartford 
and New Haven, the odd years at Hartford. The city is rather irregu- 
larly laid out, and is divided at the south part by Mill or Little river. 




East view of the Stone Bridge in Hartford. 

Across this stream a fine bridge of free stone has been thrown, which 
connects the two parts of the city. This structure is 100 feet wide, 
supported by a single arch, 7 feet in thickness at the base, and 3 feet 
3 inches at the center, the chord or span of which is 104 feet; ele- 
vation from the bed of the river to the top of the arch, 30 feet 9 
inches. Another bridge, across Connecticut river, 1,000 feet long, 
and which cost over $100,000, unites the city with East Hartford. 
Hartford is very advantageously situated for business, is surrounded 
by an extensive and wealthy district, and communicates with the 
towns and villages on the Connecticut above, by small steamboats, 
(now 8 in number) two of which, for passengers, ply daily between 
Hartford and Springfield. The remainder are employed in towing 
flat bottomed boats of 15 to 30 tons burthen, as far as Wells' river, 
220 miles above the city. The coasting trade is very considerable, and 
there is some foreign trade, not extensive, carried on. Three steam- 



HARTFORD. 33 

boats form a daily line between here and New York. The manufac- 
tures of this city, by a late return made to the secretary of the treasury, 
exceed $900,000 per annum; among these are various manufactures 
of tin, copper, and sheet iron ; block tin and pewter ware ; printing 
presses and ink ; a manufactory of iron machinery ; iron founderies, 
saddlery, carriages, joiners' tools, paper-hangings, looking-glasses, um- 
brellas, stone ware, a brewery, a web manufactory, cabinet furniture, 
boots and shoes, hats, clothing for exportation, soap and candles, 2 man- 
ufactories of machine and other wire cards, operated by dogs, &c. &.c. 
More than twice as many books are published here, annually, as are 
manufactured in any other place of equal population in the United 
States. There are 15 periodicals ; 12 weekly newspapers, (5 sectarian,) 

2 semi-monthly and 1 monthly.* The city is well built, and contains 
many elegant public and private edifices. The state house, in which 
are the public offices of the state, is surmounted by a cupola, and is a 
very handsome and spacious building. The city hall, built for city 
purposes, is also spacious and elegant; it has two fronts, with porticoes, 
supported each by six massy columns. In the city are 12 places of 
public worship — 5 for Congregationalists, 1 Episcopal, 2 Baptist, I 
Methodist, 1 Universalist, 1 Roman Catholic, and 1 African ; several 
of these are very handsome, and the Episcopal, a Gothic edifice, is 
much admired for its elegance. There are 5 banks, a bank for savings; 

3 fire and marine insurance offices, an arsenal, museum, 2 markets, &,c. 
The American Asylum for the deaf and dumb, the Retreat for the 
insane, and Washington College, are all beautifully located, in the im- 
mediate vicinity of the city. The population within the city limits in 
September, 1S35, was nine thousand and eight hundred. 

"The American Asylum for the education and instruction of deaf 
and dumb persons, was founded by an association of gentlemen in Hart- 
ford, Conn, in 1815. Their attention was called to this important 
charity by a case of deafness in the family of one of their number. An 
interesting child of the late Dr. Cogswell, who had lost her hearing at 
the age of two years, and her speech soon after, was, under Providence, 
the cause of its establishment. Her father, ever ready to sympathize 
with the afflicted, and prompt to relieve human suffering, embraced in 
his plans for the education of his own daughter, all who might be simi- 
larly unfortunate. The co-operation of the benevolent was easily se- 
cured, and measures were taken to obtain from Europe a knowledge of 
the difficult art, unknown in this country, of teaching written language 
through the medium of signs, to the deaf and dumb. For this purpose, 
the Rev. Thomas H. Gallaudet visited England and Scotland, and ap- 
plied at the institutions in those countries for instruction in their system ; 
but meeting with unexpected difficulties, he repaired to France, and 
obtained at the Royal Institution at Paris, those qualifications for an 
instructor of the deaf and dumb, which a selfish and mistaken policy 
had refused him in Great Britain. Accompanied by Mr. Laurent Clerc, 
himself deaf and dumb, and for several years a successful teacher under 

* Darby and Dwight's Gazetteer of the United States, 1833. 

5 



34 



HARTFORD 



the Abbe Sieard, Mr. Gallaudet returned to this country in August, 
1816. The Asylum had, in May preceding, been incorporated by the 
state legislature. Some months were spent by Messrs. Gallaudet and 
Clerc in obtaining funds for the benefit of the institution, and in the 
spring of 1817, the Asylum was opened for the reception of those for 
whom it was designed, and the course of instruction commenced with 
seven pupils. 




View of the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb. 

"As the knowledge of the institution extended, and the facilities for 
obtaining its advantages were multiplied, the number of pupils increased 
from seven to one hundred and forty, which for several years past has 
not been much above the average number ; and since its commence- 
ment in 1S17, instruction has been imparted to four hundred and sev- 
enty seven deaf and dumb persons, including its present inmates. 

"In 1819, Congress granted the institution a township of land in 
Alabama, the proceeds of which have been invested as a permanent 
fund. The principal building, of which the above is a front view, was 
erected in 1820, and the pupils removed to it in the spring of the fol- 
lowing year. It is one hundred and thirty feet long, fifty feet wide, 
and, including the basement, four stories high. Other buildings have 
been subsequently erected, as the increasing number of pupils made it 
necessary ; the principal of which is a dining hall and workshops for 
the male pupils. Attached to the institution are eight or ten acres of 
land, which afford ample room for exercise and the cultivation of vege- 
tables and fruits for the pupils. 

"The system of instruction adopted at this institution is substantially 
the same as that of the French school at Paris. It has however been 
materially improved and modified by Mr. Gallaudet and his associates. 
This system, and indeed every other rational system of teaching the 
deaf and dumb, is based upon the natural language of signs. By this 
we mean those gestures which a deaf and dumb person will naturally 
use to express his ideas, and to make known his wants previous to 



HARTFORD. 35 

instruction. These gestures and signs are rather pictorial, that is, an 
exact outline of the object, delineated by the hands in the air; or de- 
scriptive, giving an idea of an object by presenting some of its promi- 
nent and striking features ; or conventional, such as may have been 
agreed upon by a deaf and dumb person and his associates. As there 
are very few objects which can be expressed with sufficient clearness 
by the delineation of its outline alone, a descriptive sign is usually con- 
nected with it. Thus, in making the sign for a book, the outline is first 
delineated by the fore finger of both hands. To this is added the de- 
scriptive signs of opening the book, placing it before the eyes, and 
moving the lips as in reading. It may therefore simplify the classifica- 
tion of natural signs if the first two divisions be united ; and it will be suf- 
ficiently accurate to say that all the signs used by the deaf and dumb, 
are either descriptive or conventional,. By far the greater part of these 
signs belong to the former class ; as it includes the signs for most com- 
mon objects, actions and emotions. A deaf and dumb child constructs 
his language upon the same principle as the child who can hear; that 
of imitation. 

"In the school-room, the instructor makes use of natural signs to 
communicate ideas to his pupils, of systematic signs to enable them 
to translate their own into written language ; of the manual alphabet, 
or signs of the hand corresponding to the letters of the alphabet ; and 
of written symbols to express the grammatical relations of words. A 
more particular account of the mode of instruction would be inconsistent 
with the limits assigned to this article. Indeed it can hardly be neces- 
sary to enlarge on this topic, as visitors can at all times have access to 
two of the classes, and on Wednesday afternoon to all the classes, 
when they are permitted to witness the process of imparting instruction 
by signs, and to make such inquiries as will enable them to understand 
the subject. 

" The pupils usually remain at the Asylum four or five years, in which 
time an intelligent child will acquire a knowledge of the common ope- 
rations of arithmetic, of geography, grammar, history, biography, and 
of written language, so as to enable him to understand the Scriptures, 
and books written in a familiar style. He will of course be able to 
converse with others by writing, and to manage his own affairs as a 
farmer or mechanic. There are workshops connected with the institu- 
tion, in which the boys have the opportunity of learning a trade, and 
many of them, by devoting four hours each day to this object, become 
skillful workmen, and when they leave the Asylum, find no difficulty in 
supporting themselves. The annual charge to each pupil is one hun- 
dred dollars. 

'•The department of instruction is under the control of the principal 
of the institution, who has also a general oversight of the other depart- 
ments. The pupils are distributed into eight or nine classes, the im- 
mediate care of which is committed to the same number of assistant 
instructors. When out of school, the pupils are under the care of a 
steward and matron. 



36 



HARTFORD 



" Five or six similar institutions have been established in different 
parts of the country, all of which have obtained their system of instruc- 
tion, and some of their teachers, from the American Asylum. Nearly 
one half of the states afford the means of obtaining an education at 
some one of these schools, to their own indigent deaf and dumb ; and 
it is greatly to be desired that the legislatures of all the other states 
should furnish the same assistance to these children of misfortune."* 




Eastern view of the Retreat for the Insane. 

" This institution is situated on a commanding eminence, at the dis- 
tance of a mile and a quarter, in a southwesterly direction, from the 
State House in Hartford. The elevation overlooks an ample range of 
fertile country, presenting on every side a most interesting landscape, 
adorned with every beauty of rural scenery, that can be found in rich 
and cultivated fields, and meadows of unrivalled verdure; in extensive 
groves and picturesque groups of forest, fruit and ornamental trees; and 
above all, in the charming diversity of level, sloping and undulating 
surfaces, terminating by distant hills, and more distant mountains. 

" The city of Hartford is conspicuously seen on the left, and in dif- 
ferent directions, five flourishing villages, rendered nearly continuous 
by numerous intervening farm-houses. On the east, the prospect is 
enlivened by the perpetual passing and repassing of carriages and trav- 
elers, on the two principal thoroughfares of the country, that extend 
along the front of the building, one at the distance of fifty or sixty rods, 
the other within three fourths of a mile. Still farther eastward, but 
within a mile and a half, the prospect is frequently enlivened by the 
splendid show of passing steamboats, and the white sails of various wa- 
ter craft, plying up and down the Connecticut river, which is distinctly 
seen in many long windings. 

" This site was selected as one pre-eminently calculated to attract and 
engage the attention, and soothe and appease the morbid fancies and feel- 
ings of the patient, whose faculties are not sunk below or raised above the 



* American Magazine, Vol. I, 1835. 



HARTFORD. 37 

sphere of relations that originally existed. And if he is not beyond the 
reach of genial sensations, connected with external objects, he will un- 
doubtedly feel the conscious evidence that this situation most happily 
unites the tranquilizing influence of seclusion and retirement, with the 
cheering effect of an animated picture of active life, continually passing 
in review before his eyes, while himself is remote, and secure from the 
annoyance of its bustle and noise. 

" The edifice for the accommodation of the patients, and those who 
have the care of them, is constructed of unhewn free stone, covered 
with a smooth white water-proof cement. Its style of architecture is 
perfectly plain and simple, and interests only by its symmetrical beauty, 
and perhaps by the idea it impresses of durability and strength, derived 
from the massy solidity of its materials — yet notwithstanding these,' its 
general aspect is remarkably airy and cheerful, from the amplitude of 
its lights, and the brilliant whiteness of its exterior. The whole build- 
ing is divided into commodious and spacious apartments, adapted to 
various descriptions of cases, according to their sex, nature and disease, 
habits of life, and the wishes of their friends. The male and female 
apartments are entirely separated, and either sex is completely seclu- 
ded from the view of the other. Rooms are provided in both male and 
female apartments for the accommodation of the sick, where they are 
removed from any annoyance, and can continually "receive the kind at- 
tentions of their immediate relations and friends. Attached to the build- 
ing are about seventeen acres of excellent land, the principal part of 
which is laid out in walks, ornamental grounds and extensive gardens. 
With each wing and block of the building is connected a court-yard, en- 
compassed by high fences, and handsomely laid out, designed to afford 
the benefit of exercise, pastime and fresh air, to those who cannot safely 
be allowed to range abroad. 

" Connected with the institution, there are horses and carriages, 
which are appropriated exclusively to the benefit of the patients, and 
which afford them much pleasant exercise and amusement. The male 
patients frequently employ themselves in the garden, and amuse them- 
selves at the backgammon board, draughts, and the like. The female 
patients employ themselves in sewing, knitting, drawing, painting, play- 
ing on the piano, and other amusements. The various exercises and 
amusements are adapted to the age, sex, and former habits of the pa- 
tients, and in all cases the two sexes are kept entirely separate. There 
is a library in the Retreat, composed of light and agreeable works, and 
several periodicals and newspapers arc constantly taken, for the perusal 
of which the inmates manifest much fondness. On the Sabbath, those 
that are in a proper condition, are taken to church, and unite in reli- 
gious worship. Every thing connected with the institution, is designed 
to make it a pleasant and agreeable residence for all the inmates. 

" This institution commenced its operations on the 1st of April, 1824, 
under the immediate charge of the late Eli Todd, M.D. He pursued 
a course of medical and moral treatment which has been crowned with 
a success, second to no other similar public institution of which we have 
any knowledge. The same system of management has been adopted by 



38 



HARTFORD, 



his successor, Silas Fuller, M. D. recently of Columbia, and has also 
been attended with similar success. Dr. Fuller has for many years 
had the charge of a private establishment for the insane, and has been 
distinguished for his success in treating this afflictive disease. The 
general system of moral treatment at this institution is, to allow the 
patients all the liberty and indulgences consistent with their own safety 
and that of others ; to cherish in them the sentiment of self respect ; to 
excite an ambition for the good will and respect of others; to draw out 
the latent sparks of natural and social affection ; and to occupy their 
attention with such employments and amusements, as shall exercise 
their judgment, and withdraw their minds as much as possible from 
every former scene and every former companion ; and give an entire 
change to the current of their recollections and ideas. By pursuing this 
course, together with a judicious system of medication, many 'of these 
once miserable beings, cut off from all the 'linked sweetness' of con- 
jugal, parental, filial, and fraternal enjoyment, are now restored to the 
blessings of health, to the felicities of affection, and to the capacity of 
performing the relative duties of domestic and social life.' "* 




Eastern view of Washington College. 



" Washington College was founded in 1826. It has two edifices of 
free stone ; one 148 feet long by 43 wide, and 4 stories high, contain- 
ing 48 rooms ; the other 87 feet by 55, and 3 stories high, containing 
the chapel, library, mineralogical cabinet, philosophical chamber, labo- 
ratory and recitation rooms. There are 5,000 volumes in the college 
library, and 2,500 in the libraries of the different societies. A complete 
philosophical apparatus, cabinet of minerals, and botanical garden and 
green house, belong to the institution. The faculty consists of a presi- 
dent, 6 professors, and 2 tutors. Students, about 60. Commencement 
first Thursday in August."! 

West Hartford, or, as it was formerly called, West Division, is a fine 
tract of land. The inhabitants are mostly substantial farmers, and the 



* American Mag. "Vol. I. 



t Darby and Dwight's Gazetteer, 1833. 



HARTFORD, 



39 



general appearance of the place denotes an unusual share of equalized 
wealth and prosperity. The venerable Nathan Perkins, D. D. still 
continues his labors in the ministry in West Hartford. In 1833 ; his 
sixtieth anniversary sermon was published in the National Preacher. 
In that sermon he says, " I am now the oldest officiating minister of 
the gospel in this state, and, as far as I can learn, in the United States. 
And I cannot learn, from the history of churches in Connecticut, that 
there has ever before been an instance of one of its ministers preaching 
for sixty years uninterruptedly to the same congregation ; nor during a 
life of eighty three years, have I ever met with one who had preached 
the gospel of the grace of God to one and the same people for the 
same period." 

" Titus Hosmer, the father of the late Chief Justice Hosmer, of 
Middletown, was a native of West Hartford. He was one of the most 
distinguished scholars, lawyers and statesmen which Connecticut has 
produced. He was a member of the Council, and of Congress, and 
Judge of the Maritime Court of Appeals for the United States. He was 
the patron of Joel Barlow, in encouraging the composition of his Vision 
of Columbus, the title of the poem first published. He died in middle 
life, and Mr. Barlow wrote an elegant poem as an elegy on his death, 
and inscribed it to his widow." 




Junction of Trap Rock and Sandstone, at Rocky Hill. 

The above engraving was made from a large lithographic print in 
the 17th vol. of Prof. Silliman's Journal of Science. The perpendic- 
ular strata of rocks which appear in the engraving are termed by geolo- 
gists Trap Rocks, of the variety called greenstone. This ridge is one 
of a series of isolated peaks and groups that divide the states of Con- 
necticut and Massachusetts almost centrally in two ; commencing in 
the East and West Rocks in New Haven and terminating on the bor- 
ders of Vermont. The Pallisadoes on the Hudson are composed of 
trap rocks, and it is known that they cross the state of New Jersey, 
from the Hudson to the Delaware. The Cave of Fingal, in the island 



40 HARTFORD. 

of StafFa, and the Giant's Causeway in the north of Ireland, are still 
more singular examples, on account of the regularity and height of the 
columns, and of their curiously jointed structure. The rocks in the 
engraving which lie in a horizontal position are sandstone, called by the 
masons free stone, to obtain which this quarry has been worked for more 
than a century. This quarry is about three miles nearly s. s. w. from 
the city of Hartford, the ridge is on the eastern exposure almost covered 
with soil. " As you come from Hartford on the old Farmington road, 
you gently rise the acclivity of a hill, for perhaps three or four hundred 
yards, and as you reach its summit you discover the trap ridge, breaking 
through the soil on your right and left, and stretching away northeast 
and southwest like a line of fortification. This allusion appears still 
more appropriate when you discover, on coming to the edge of the 
parapet, that the vast rampart is faced with a deep ditch, just such an 
one as defense would require, were the ridge covered by cannon and 
bristling with bayonets. This ditch is the excavation which (as its ob- 
ject was peaceful) it has taken a century to make." The portion of 
the rocky ridge represented in the engraving is about eighty feet, in the 
horizontal direction ; the trap is there twenty eight feet thick, and the 
sandstone that is cut through is sixteen feet, so that the whole height 
at this place is about forty feet. The water in the hollow is an accu- 
mulation of rain, in the bottom of the quarry. 

" Both rocks, as thus cut through for nearly a mile, in this extensive 
quarry, exhibit a magnificent section ; such as a geologist wishing to 
study the origin of the trap rocks, would be most anxious to see, but 
would hardly expect to find. To others, the place is worth visiting on 
account of the beauty of the scenery. In the retrospect towards Hart- 
ford, is the grand and rich valley of the Connecticut — before you, the 
vales of Newington and West Hartford, almost equally beautiful ; and 
the view in both directions, is bounded by hills and mountains, which, 
to the north and south, appear interminable." 

It is now believed by all geologists, that the materials composing the 
trap rocks were melted in the bowels of the earth, and thrown upward 
through the incumbent strata by igneous action, and that the peculiar 
formation of these rocks, presenting solid masses, in which, in general, 
the appearance of fire is not obvious, was caused by the pressure of 
water from above, it being unquestionable among geologists, that our 
globe was once covered with a deep ocean. 

The cut on the next page is a representation of the point of land in the 
limits of the city of Hartford, now called Dutch Point. The entrance of 
Mill river into the Connecticut is seen in the engraving. In 1633, the 
Dutch erected a fort and trading house on the south side of this stream, 
which they called the Hirse of Good Hope. Thirty or forty years 
since, some of the remains of the fort were in existence, being washed 
out of the earth by the river. Since that time, the river has worn 
away the site of the fort. The large building seen in the engraving is a 
steam paper mill : ship building is also carried on at this place. The 
spire seen in the distance is that of the South Congregational Church. 



H AHTl'OHD 



41 



The Dutch maintained a distinct and independent government at the 
Point for many years, and resisted the laws of the colony. They in- 
veigled an Indian woman, who, being liable to public punishment, fled 
from her master. Though her master demanded her as his property, 
and the magistrates as a criminal, on whom the law ought to take its 
course, yet they would not deliver her up. The Dutch agent, in the 
height of disorder, resisted the guard. " He drew his rapier upon the 
soldiers, and broke it upon their arms. He then escaped to the fort, 
and there defended himself with impunity." Considerable difficulty 
oftentimes arose between them and the English settlers, till the year 
1654, when an order from the Parliament arrived, requiring that the 
Dutch should in all respects be treated as the declared enemies of the 
commonwealth of England. In conformity to this order, the General 
Court convened, and an act was passed sequestering the Dutch house, 
lands, and property of all kinds at Hartford, for the benefit of the com- 
monwealth. 




Dutch Point, in Hartford. 



" The Dutch," says Dr. Trumbull, " were always mere intruders. 
They had no right to any part of this country. The English ever de- 
nied their right, and when the Dutch placed a governor at New Neth- 
erlands, and the court of England made complaint of it to the States 
Genera], they disowned the affair, and said it was only a private under- 
taking of an Amsterdam West India company. King James the first 
commissioned Edward Langdon to be governor at New Netherlands, 
and named the country New Albion. The Dutch submitted to the 
English government, until the troubles in England, under the adminis- 
trations of King Charles the first and the long parliament." 

When William Holmes came up the river in 1(533, to establish a tra- 
ding house at Windsor, he found that the Dutch had got up the river 
before him, made a light fort, and planted two pieces on Dutch Point. 
" The Dutch forbid Holmes going up the river, stood by their cannon, 
and ordered him to strike his colors, or they would fire upon him." 

6 



42 



HARTFORD 



Holmes being a bold and resolute man, informed them that he had a 
commission from the governor of Plymouth to go up the river, and that 
he must obey his orders. Disregarding their threats, he proceeded up 
the river and established the trading house."* 




First Meeting House built in Connecticut. 



The above is believed to be a correct representation of the first house- 
ever erected in Connecticut for Christian worship. The drawing was 
obtained from a gentleman now deceased, who devoted considerable 
time and attention to antiquarian researches in Hartford : the drawing 
of Mr. Hooker's house was obtained from the same individual. In Dr. 
Strong's consecration sermon, in 1807, it is stated that the first house 
for public worship was built in 1638, stood ninety nine years, and was 
then taken down. There must have been some mistake about this, as 
it appears by a reference to the early records of the town, that there 
was a meeting house in 1635, and in 1650, "it was ordered that the old 
meeting house shall be given to Mr. (or Mrs. ?) Hooker. Some of the 
timber of the first house is still in existence, a portion of it being used 
in the construction of the Center Congregational Church. 



* Gov. Bradford of Plymouth gives the following account: "The Dutch, with whom 
we had formerly converse and familiarity, seeing us seated in a barren quarter, told us 
of a river called by them Fresh River, which they often commended to us for a fine 
place, both for plantation and trade, and wished as to make use of it; but our hands 
being full otherwise, we let it pass. But afterwards there coming a company of In* 
dians into these parts, who were driven i hence by the Pequents,( Pequots,)who usurped 
upon them, they often solicited us to go thither, and we should have much trade, espe^ 
dally if we would keep a house there .... we began to send that way and trade 
with the natives. But the Dutch begin now to repent; and hearing of our purpose 
and preparation, endeavor to prevent n>, get in a little before us, make a slight ibrt, 
and plant two pieces, threatening to stop our passage. But we having agreat new 

bark, and a frame of a house, &c ready, that we may have a defense against the 

Indians, who arc much offended that we In mu r home and restore the right sachems of 
the place called Natawannut . ,.. though challenged b] the Dutch, who stood by their 

ordnance, ready fitted, &c pass along, and the Duteh threaten us hard, vet they 

shoot not. And tins was our first entrance there: we did the Dutch no wrong: for 
we took not a foot of any land they bought; but went above, them, and bought that 
tract of land which belonged to the Indians we cat I ted with us, and our friends, with 
whom the Dutch had nothing to do." — Holmes' Annals, Vol. I. 



HARTFORD 



43 




licv. Thomas Hooker's House. 

' The above is a front view of the house of the Rev. Thomas Hooker, 
(the first minister in Connecticut.) The projection in front (A) was 
called the porch, and was used as his study. This building stood in 
School street, on the north side of the high and romantic banks of Mill 
river. The drawing was taken immediately before it was taken down. 




mm 



>^ "~HW/- -- -rr^^nTi TTTnTTninil , mi mrnirt j, mnrrimJuuHTr 






! .p' : 



• 'ii. '*+ 'M-irrr --' 



Charter Oak, (March, 1S36.) 

The above is a western view of the Charter Oak, and shows the ap- 
pearance of the tree, as it is seen from near Main street. It stands on 
the beautiful elevation which rises above the south meadows, a few rods 
north of the ancient seat of the Wyllys family. The tree is still in a 
vigorous state, and may flourish for another century. The engraving 
inserted above, was executed from a drawing taken in March, 1836, and 
of course is seen without foliage. In reply to an inquiry respecting this 



44 HARTFORD. 

tree, (says Dr. Holmes,*) a daughter of the present secretary Wyllys, 
of Connecticut, wrote to me from Hartford : " That venerable tree, 
which concealed the charter of our rights, stands at the foot of Wyllys 
hill. The first inhabitant of that name found it standing in the height 
of its glory. Age seems to have curtailed its branches, yet it is not 
exceeded in the height of its coloring, or richness of its foliage. The 
trunk measures twenty one feet in circumference, and near seven in 
diameter. The cavity, which was the asylum of our charter, was near 
the roots, and large enough to admit a child. Within the space of eight 
years, that cavity has closed, as if it had fulfilled the divine purpose for 
which it had been reared." 

Sir Edmund Andross being appointed the first governor general over 
New England, arrived in Boston, in December, 1686. From this place 
he wrote to the colony of Connecticut to resign their charter, but with- 
out success. " The Assembly met as usual, in October, and the govern- 
ment continued according to charter, until the last of the month. About 
this time, Sir Edmund, with his suite and more than sixty regular troops, 
came to Hartford when the Assembly were sitting, and demanded the 
charter, and declared the government under it to be dissolved. The 
Assembly were extremely reluctant and slow with respect to any resolve 
to surrender the charter, or with respect to any motion to bring it forth. 
The tradition is, that Governor Treat strongly represented the great 
expense and hardships of the colonists in planting the country; the 
blood and treasure which they had expended in defending it, both 
against the savages and foreigners ; to what hardships he himself had 
been exposed for that purpose ; and that it was like giving up his life, 
now to surrender the patent and privileges so dearly bought and so long 
enjoyed. The important affair was debated and kept in suspense until 
the evening, when the charter was brought and laid upon the table 
where the Assembly were sitting. By this time great numbers of peo- 
ple were assembled, and men sufficiently bold to enterprise whatever 
might be necessary or expedient. The lights were instantly extin- 
guished, and one Captain Wadsworth, of Hartford, in the most silent 
and secret manner, carried off" the charter,! anc ^ secreted it in a large 
hollow tree, fronting the house of Hon. Samuel Wyllys, then one of 
the magistrates of the colony. The people all appeared peaceable and 
orderly. The candles were officiously relighted, but the patent was 
gone, and no discovery could be made of it, or the person who carried 
it away. Sir Edmund assumed the government, and the records of the 
colony w T ere closed in the following words : 

"At a General Court at Hartford, Oct. 31, 1687, his excellency Sir 
Edmund Andross, knight, and captain general and governor of his ma- 
jesty's territories and dominions in New England, by order of his majesty 
James II. king of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, the 31st of 
October, 1687, took into his hands the government of the colony of 
Connecticut, it being by his majesty annexed to Massachusetts and 
other colonies under his excellency's government. Finis. "J 

* Holmes' Auiericau Annals, published in 1805. t This charter is still in ^ood 

preservation in the Secretary of State's office, Hartford, t Trumbull's Hist, of Conn, 



HARTFORD. 45 

EXTRACTS FROM THE EARLY RECORDS OF THE TOWN OF HARTFORD. 

1635. — It is ordered that there shall be a guard of . . . men to attend with their arms 
fixed, and two shot of powder and shot, at least .... every public meeting for reli- 
gious use, with two sergeants to oversee the same, and to keep out one of them senti- 
nel and the said guard to be freed from wauling, and to have seats provided 

near the meeting house door, and the sergeants to repair to the magistrates for a war- 
rant for the due execution thereof. 

It is ordered, that every inhabitant which hath not freedom from the whole to be 
absent, shall make his personal appearance at every general meeting of the whole 
town, having sufficient warning: and whosoever fails to appear at the time and place 
appointed, shall pay six pence for every such default ; but if he shall have a lawful ex- 
cuse, it shall be repaid him again; or whosoever departs away from the meeting be- 
fore it be ended, without liberty from the whole, shall pay the likewise. 

It is ordered, that whosoever borrows the town chain, shall pay two pence a day for 
every day they keep the same, and pay tor mending it if it be broken in their use. 

It is ordered, that there shall be a set meeting of all the townsmen together the first 
Thursday in every month, by nine of the clock in the forenoon, that so if any inhab- 
itant have any business with them, he may repair unto them ; and whosoever of them 
do not meet at the place and time set, to forfeit two shillings and six pence for every 
default. 

At a general Town Meeting in April, 1G43. — It was ordered, that Mr. Andrews 
should teach the children in the school one year next ensuing, from the 25th of March, 
1643, and that he shall have for his pains £16; and therefore the townsmen shall go 
and inquire who will engage themselves to send their children ; and all that do so, 
shall pay for one quarter at the least, and for more if they do send them, after the pro- 
portion of twenty shillings the year ; and if they go any weeks more than an even 
quarter, they shall pay six pence a week: and if any would send their children, and 
are not able to pay for their teaching, they shall give notice of it to the townsmen, 
and they shall pay it at the town's charge ; ami Mr. Andrews shall keep the account 
between the children's schooling and himself, and send notice of the times of payment 
and demand it; and if his wages doth not so come in, then the townsmen must collect 
and pay it; or if the engagements come not to sixteen pounds, then they shall pay what 
is wanting, at the town's charges. 

At a general Town Meeting, October 30th, 1643. — It was ordered, that if any boy 
shall be taken playing or misbehaving himself, in the time of public services, whether 

in the meeting house or about the walls by two witnesses, for the first time, shall 

be examined and punished at the present, publicly, before the assembly depart : and if 
any shall be the second time taken faulty, on witness, shall be accounted Fur- 
ther, it is ordered, if the parents or master shall desire to correct his boy, he shall have 
liberty, the first time, to do the same. 

It was further ordered, in the same general meeting, that there should be a bell rung 
by the watch every morning an hour before day break, ami that they that are appoint- 
ed by the constables for that purpose, shall begin at the bridge, and so ring the bell all 

the way forth and back from Master Moody's ( Wyllys' hill) to John Pratt's 

and that they shall be in every house, one up, and . . . some lights within one quarter 

of an hour after the end of the bell ringing ... if they can the bell is rung before 

the time appointed, then to be up with lights as before mentioned, half an hour before 
day break, and for default herein is to forfeit one shilling and six pence, to be to him 
that finds him faulty, and six pence to the town. 

1650. — It is further ordered, that there shall be a porch built at the meeting house, 
with stairs through the chamber, to be ordered by Mr. Goodwin and the townsmen; 
and the Governor, Mr. Wells, Mr. Webster, John Taylor and John Steele, to make a 
rate for the same, or any other town business, as they shall see meet, and . . . 

It is ordered, that the old meeting house shall be given to Mr. (or Mrs. ?) Hooker. 

The 17th September, 1640. — It is ordered, that .... Woodward shall spend his time 
about killing of wolves, and for his encouragement he shall have four shillings and 
six pence a week for his board, in case he kill not a wolf or a deer in the week; but if 
he kill a wolf or a deer, he is to pay for his board himself; and if he kill .... to have 
it for two pence a pound. This order is made lor a month before he begins. 

It is further ordered, that if any person hath lost any thing that he desireth should 
be cried in a publick meeting, he shall pay for crying of il twopence to Thomas Wood- 
ford, to be paid before it be cried ; and the crier shall have a book of the things that 
he crieth. 



46 HARTFORD. 

1G50. — At the same meeting of the town there is a rate granted to the townsmen for 
forty pounds, whereof twenty pounds is to be lent to Jeremy Adams for one year, to 
be repaid back again, in wampum. 

1653. — There was a grant to Jonathan Gilbert, that he should set up a warehouse 
at the common landing- place in the little meadow, and upon that land without Mrs. 
Hooker's lot, which she doth challenge to be her land; provided, the said Jonathan 
do it by the consent of Mrs. Hooker. 

1654. — It was granted by the vote of the town, that old Goodwife Watts shall have 
that land that formerly she had of the town, which was the Indians, for this year, as 
she had it before, upon the same terms. 

1659. — For the preventing future evils and inconveniences that many times are 
ready to break in upon us, by mauy persons ushering in themselves among us, who 
are strangers to us, through whose poverty, evil manners or opinions, the town is sub- 
ject to be much prejudiced and endangered : It is therefore ordered, at the same town 
meeting, that no person or persons in Hartford, shall give entertainment, or receive 
any family, person or persons that is not an inhabitant, so as to rent any part of his or 
their house to him or them, whereby he or they become an inmate, without it be hist 
consented to by the orderly vote of the inhabitants, at some town meeting, under the 
forfeiture of five pounds for every month, to be recovered by the townsmen in being, 
by a course of law, if other means will not prevail, and this for the use of the town ; 
and also, all such persons as break this order, shall be liable to be called to an account 
by the town, and bear all just damages that shall accrue to the thereby. 

1660. — At the same town meeting, the town by their vote ordered, that whosoever 
for the future shall dig or carry away earth from the sentinel hill, shall forfeit two 
shillings a load, and so for every proportion, without they have the consent of ensign 
Talcott and John Allyn. 

1661. — The same day, the Jews, which at present live in John Marsh his house, 
have liberty to sojourn in the town seven months. 

1683. — The town by their vote appointed the present townsmen to provide suitable 
supplies of wood and provisions, for Goodman Randall and his wife, who are at pres- 
ent lame and ill, and not able to provide for their necessity ; and also to get a chirur- 
geon to cure and dress him; and they are to employ the forfeitures due from those 
that have refused to serve as constables this year in the service; and the rest that is 
necessary the town must supply. 

1686. — The town by their vote made choice of Major Talcott, ensign Nathaniel 
Stanley, Mr. Cyprian Nichols and John Bidwell, to consider the best way to make a 
channel in the river between this town and Wethersfield ; and to order the effecting 
thereof, in the best way and manner they can, that may be as little prejudice as may 
be, without charge to the town. 

1687. — The townsmen of that year, gave an account to the town, of two pounds two 
shillings and eleven pence, they had received of the selectmen in 1686, expended on 
the poor. 

At a Town Meeting, February 28th, 1689.— The town of Hartford voted, that Mr. 
Samuel Wyllys' house should be fortified on the south side of the river; and also 
Mr. James Steele's house for the defense of the town. 

The town also voted, that Mr. John Olcott's house should be fortified for the north 
side of the river ; and also Mr. Bartholomew Barnard's house for the said use. 

1694. — In compliance with the recommendation of the General Court, May last, 
sundry of both societies being met together, and the rest being warned to meet, we 
have considered the motion of our neighbors of the east side, and that in reference to 
their desire of settling of a minister on the east side of the river, we do declare we 
prize their good company, and cannot, without their help, well and comfortably carry 
on or maintain the ministry in the two societies here; yet, upon the earnestness of our 
neighbors to be distinct, because of the trouble and danger they complain they are ex- 
posed to, by coming over to the publick worship here ; which difficulty they should not 
but foresee before they settled where they are, and therefore is of less weight to us; 
and upon these considerations we cannot be free to part with good neighbors; yet, if 
the General Court see cause, we must submit. But we desire, if so it must be, that 
then, those of the good people of the east side, that desire to continue with us of the 
west side, should so do ; that all the land on the east side, that belongs to any of the 
people on the west side shall pay to the ministry of the west side ; and that all the 
land on the west side shall pay to the minister of the west side, though it belongs to 
the people of the east side. 



HARTFORD. 



47 



Mrs. Wilson is allowed by the town to retail drink to those that have occasion . . . 
this time twelve months, she attending the law therein. 

1(397. — Likewise the town have granted to Mr. John Olcott, for the standing of a 
cider house already erected near his dwelling house, for such time as he shall continue 
the same for that use, not to alter the property of the land, but the right thereof to be- 
long to the town. 

1704. — At the same meeting the town voted, that there shall be four houses fortified 
on the east side of the great river, at their cost and charge. 

At the same meeting, the town made choice of Mr. William Pitkin, Lieutenant 
Jonathan Hills, Deacon Joseph Olmsted, Daniel Bidwell, Sergeant William Will- 
iams, to be a committee to appoint those houses which shall be fortified, and also to 
proportion each man's share that he is to do of said fortification. 

1709. — Voted, that if any person or persons shall box any pine trees within the 
bounds of the town of Hartford, either on the commons or undivided land, or shall 
draw any turpentine out of any pine trees that are already boxed within the aforesaid 
bounds, shall forfeit to the town's use the sum of five shillings for every tree so im- 
proved, contrary to this act, excepting only what turpentine may be drawn out of the 
pine trees that are already boxed for the town's use. 

1711. — At the same meeting it was voted, that every rateable pers n in this town 
shall be obliged in the months of March. April, May and June, to kill one dozen of 
blackbirds, or else pay one shilling for the town's use; and any person that shall kill nunc 
than their dozen in the said time, shall be allowed one penny per head for as many as 
they shall kill; and that the selectmen take care that this vote be performed ; and this 
order to remain and be of full force and virtue, until the town shall see cause to alter it. 



The following, (copied from Dr. Hawes' Centennial Address,) is a 
list of the names of all persons holding land in Hartford, in February, 
1639. At that time it appears that all the lands of the inhabitants 
were recorded in a book, and we have every reason to suppose this to 
be a perfect list. The ancient orthography is retained. 

William Blumfield 
Gregory Witterton 
Joseph Maggott 
Nathaniel Ward 
Thomas Hooker 
John Peirce 
William Gibbins 
John Skinner 
Nathaniel Kellogge 
James Olmstead 
Thomas Judd 
William Cornwell 
James Wnkeley 
Richard Church 
Thomas Stantou 
Seth Grant 
Robert Bartlett 
Edward Elmer 
George Stockin 
Thomas Gridley 
William Westley 
Richard Watts 
John Stone 
Samuel Stone 
William Spencer 
George Steele 
Edward Lay 
John Gullet 
Samuel Wakeman 
Widow Richaids 
Mi s. Dorothe Chester 
Clement Chapling 
Total, 127. 



John Hayes (1) John Biddell John Baysee 

Edward Hopkins Robert Day Jeremy Adams 

George Willes Thomas Birchwood Thomas Bunce 

; Wells ^ Richard Lord John Moodie 

John Webster Thomas Standly Joseph Eason 

William W riythige , Nicholas Disborow John Barnard 
William Goodwmg William Kelsey John Willcock 
William Westwood Matthew Allen 
Thomas Root Nathaniel Ely 

Nicholas Olmstead Thomas Spenser, 
Sergt. at Armes. 

John Purchas 

Robert Wade 

Ozias Goodwing 

Richard Seamor 

William Phillips 

Daniel Garrad 

Benjamin Burr 

Thomas Barns 



John Mainard 
Nathaniel Harden 
Thomas Upson 
Ralph Keeler 
Richard Webb 
John Crow 
Nicholas Clerk 
William Butler 
Nathaniel Richards 



Thomas Lord, sen. 
Benjamin Munn 
Andrew Warner,/ 
Thomas Scott 
William Pantry 
William Rusco 
John Taylcoatt 
Richard Goodman 
Matthew Marvin\ 
Timothy Standly 
Edward Stebbins 
John Pratt 
William Parker 



John Morris 
John Gennings 
John Warner 
William Heaton 



James Ensine 
John Hopkins 
Stephen Post 
Thomas Bull 
Francis Andrews 
Andrew Bacon 
William Hide 
Arthur Smith 
George Graves 
John Olmstead 
Richard Olmsted 
Thomas Bliss, sen. 
Richard Butler 
William Holton 
William Hills 
George Hubbard 



Thomas Woodford Richard Ridley 
William Pratt Giles Smith 

William Lewis Thomas Selden 

John Brunson Richard Lyman 

William Wadsworth. John "White 



Stephen Hart 
Zachariah Field 
James Cole 
John Clerke — 



Thomas Bliss, jr. 
Thomas Osmer 
John Arnold 
Paul Peck 



48 



HARTFORD 



A TLAN OF MAIN STREET, HERTFORD, SHOWING THE BUILDINGS AND OCCUPANTS 
AT THE PERIOD OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



N£: 



Burr St. 

Jonathan Wadsworth,' Sea Captain, g 

Samuel Taln.it, Merchant, g 

Col. Talcott'a Store, a 

Cotton Murray's Tavern. ■ 

Daniel Olcott's Cooper's shop.—m 

Dr. Lemuel Hopkins. ■ 

Dr. Eliakim Fish, e 

Zacheriah Pratt. Farmer, o 

Thomas Sloane's Blacksmith s simp., g 

Win. Pratt, Farmer. a 

Joseph Pratt, Farmer. m 

Samuel Wadsworth, Farmer and Sea Capt. e 

tDavid Bull's Tavern. -mt 

James Church, Merchant. A 

John Nevins, Cooper and Butcher.- ■■ 

Haynes Lord. j~ 

Old Gove, iSAoS maker. m 

Ebenezer Austin's Goldsmith's shop, s 

Currier's CabinSt shop, n 

;James Mooklar, Barber, s 

Sehoul lionze. a 

First Society Meeting- house. ~-j 

Ri-own, Chair maker. - B 

Stephen Austin, Tailor.- H 

Capt. Hooker. 9 

Watson's Printing office. 

William Stanley. G 

Widow Heppy Seymour or Skinner.- 

Littlejm 

§Moses Butler's Tarern.~^m 
Samuel Howard, Farmer. - S 

Thomas Seymour, Esqr. Laicyer.-M 

Parson Whitman. ■ ■ 

Isaac Tucker, Blacksmith, m 

Gideon Bunce's house. -■ 

Elisha Burnham's Blacksmith's shop. m 

South Meeting house. — 4 

Parsoii Buckins 



Dr. Jepson.... 
Parsonage house.. \ 

Win. Adams' ;S%oe maker's shop. - 

South Green, j f^ 

* Killed at the taking of Burgoyne. 

t This was the most noted tavern in Hartford, and was called the "Bunch of Grapes Tatern," 
from the carving of a bunch of grapes iis'-.l as a sign. 

; Mooklar was an Irishman; the first printing office in Hartford, was in a chamber over his shop. 

§ The seven copper club met at this tavern I] 6 from the amount which eacl imber spent 

on the evening they met, \iz. seven coppers, for half a mug of flip. This club consisted of elderly 
men, who met to learn the news, <fcc. Mr. Butler kept a very respectable tavern; he would not suffer 
any of his customers who resided in town to remain in his bouse after 9 o'clock at night ; if they 
asked for any more liquor after they had drank their half mug, his reply was, ".No, you sha'nt have 
another drop ! g<> home to your families." 

I A Scotchman, U First Cashier of the Hartford Bank " A Frenchman. 



Joseph Talcott, Treasurer. 
Pelatiah Pierce, Farmer. 

■ Col. Samuel Talcott. 

- William Mosely, Esqr. 
Dr. John Endicott 
Timothy Phelps, Cabinet maker. 
Richard Shepherd, Tailor. 

Dr. Jepson and Judge Root. 

C ipt Caleb Bull. 
•Dr. Morrison. 
•George Smith, Sea Captain. 

Court House. 

"Dr. McLean 1 
•Dr. Hezekiah Merrils.T 
Susy Butler's. 
John Chenevard, Sea Captain." 

Tin mias Hopkins, Sea Captain. 

■ Flagg Tavern. 

. Stephen Meers, Various Trades. 
Deacon Ezra Corning, Shoe maker. 
Col. Wadsworth. 
Benjamin Payne, Esqr. Lawyer. 
James Caldwell, Sea Captain. 



^Elisha Shepherd, Shoe maker, 
llliver. 

.Dr. Bull, and Rev. Abraham Beach, Episco- 
pal minister. 



I— Old Will Hooker, Butcher and Blacksmith. 
«— Burn ham house. 

I — Groce house. 

• — Aaron Bull, Sea Captain and Shoe maker. 



r 



•Capt. Daniel Sheldon, Farmer. 



•Amos Hinsdale's Tavern. 



HARTFORD. 49 

In forming the foregoing plan of Main street the author had the 
assistance of Frederick Butler, A. M. of Wethersfield, (formerly a 
resident of Hartford,) Mr. James Hosmer, (now in the 85th year of 
his age,) Mr. Asa Francis, and Mr. George Goodwin, the senior editor 
of the Connecticut Courant, one of the oldest and most respectable 
journals printed in the State. Mr. Goodwin is now in the eightieth 
year of his age, and has heen engaged in printing the Courant upwards 
of seventy years. He commenced his apprenticeship with Mr. Green, 
at the age of eight or nine years, in his office over Mooklar's barber's 
shop, the first printing office in Hartford. Mr. G. notwithstanding his 
advanced age, still continues in the active discharge of his duties as 
printer and publisher of the Courant, and in him is seen the example 
of a long and useful life, and the beneficial effect of acquiring, when 
young, correct and industrious habits. 

The first new-year's verses printed in Hartford, were composed by 
John Ledyard, afterwards the celebrated traveler. Mr. Goodwin, then 
a lad, performed the duties of carrier about town. Two lines only of 
these verses are recollected, viz. : 

" As is man's life, so is the first of January j 
Short, fleeting, and completely momentary." 

Ledyard is described by Mr. James Hosmer (who was well acquainted 
with him) as a short, stout man, with a head of an uncommon size, 
large gray eyes, had a fearless independent way with him, and taken as 
a whole, was singular in his appearance. The canoe in which he came 
down from Dartmouth College, was a large log hollowed out, and about 
sixty feet in length. 

"When Hartford was first settled," says Dr. Webster,* "the main 
street was laid out very wide, and nearly a mile in length. At each 
end a fort was built : that at the north end was near the house now oc- 
cupied by the descendants of Col. Talcott ; that at the south was on or 
near the side of the late south school house, at the forks of the road — • 
one leading to Wethersfield, the other to Farmington. The garrison 
could see from one fort to the other. The land east of Front street 
was called the Little Meadow, and being cleared or more valuable than 
the upland, it was divided among all the settlers, each having a small 
part. The principal men had from three to four acres each, and others 
less. 

" The Dutch fort was erected at the mouth of the Little river, on the 
south side. When I was young, I saw some of the bricks which had 
been brought from Holland, which were washed out of the banks of 
the Connecticut. The river has since worn away the banks beyond 
the site of the fort." 

* The venerable Noah Webster, LL. D., now in the 78th year of his age, is a 
native of West Hartford, and now a resident of New Haven. From his youth his 
life has been devoted to literary pursuits. His elementary .works for the instruction 
of youth are of the first order. The "American Dictionary of the English Lan- 
guage," is a noble monument of the industry and research ol its author, and an honor 
to his country. Although it may have nn j i. and may siill meet with some opposition, 
yet it is believed the work is destined to survive all the attack's of its enemies, and be 
received bv posterity as a rich legacy. 

7 



50 HARTFORD. 

" The main street was narrowed in this manner : persons petitioned 
the town for license to erect shops on the highway, and their requests 
being granted, shops were built, and afterwards other buildings were 
erected on the same line in front. This street was originally wet or 
swampy land, and in wet weather the mud was very deep. This con- 
tinued to be the case down to the year J 790 or '91, when the town 
voted to cover it with stone, and annually appropriated a tax of four 
pence on the pound for that purpose for several years." 

After the Revolution, Hartford became the residence of a number of 
the most celebrated poets of the day. Among the most distinguished 
was Trumbull, (the author of Ale Fingal) Barlow, Hopkins and Dwight. 
The vein of satire and wit which appeared in many of their produc- 
tions, derived for them the appellation of " the Hartford Hits." 

The Anarchiad was published in portions, in the Connecticut Mag- 
azine, during the years 1786 and 17S7. Dr. Hopkins was the projec- 
tor of this work, and had considerable share in writing it. " It was a 
mock critical account of a pretended ancient epic poem, interspersed 
with a number of extracts from the supposed work. By a fable con- 
trived with some ingenuity, this poem is represented as known to the 
ancients, and read and imitated by some of the most popular modern 
poets. By this supposition, the utmost license of parody and imitation 
is obtained, and by the usual poetieal machinery of episodes, visions 
and prophecies, the scene is shifted backwards and forwards, from one 
country to another, from earth to heaven, and from ancient to modern 
times. This plan is filled up with great spirit ; the humorous is indeed 
much better than the serious part, but both have merit, and some of the 
parodies are extremely happy. The political views of the authors 
were to support those designs which were then forming for an efficient 
federal Constitution."'* This poem had an extensive circulation through 
the country, and had considerable influence upon the public mind. 

The Echo was a work which attracted considerable attention at the 
time. This was a medley of burlesque and satirical pieces, originally 
designed to hold up to derision a taste for the bombast and the bathos, 
very prevalent at that period among newspaper writers. This work 
was begun about the year J791, by two persons, viz. Richard Alsop, 
of Middletown, and Theodore Dwight, and with the exception of por- 
tions of two or three numbers, was written exclusively by them. Dr. 
M. F. Cogswell wrote a few lines in one number, and Dr. Lemuel 
Hopkins and Dr. E. H. Smith wrote parts of one or two others.f The 
plan of the work was soon extended ; and from ridiculing affectations 
of style, they directed their satire against the political doctrines and 
measures of their opponents, as party spirit at this period began to wax 
warm. The Echo soon became principally occupied in responding 
travesties of public speeches, and writings of a political cast. These 
pieces were, with some others by the same authors, collected into a 

* Analectic Magazine. 

t There has been a number of accounts given respecting the origin and (he authors 
of the Echo which are incorrect ; the above statement respecting the authors of the 
work, may Ik- relied upon as correct, as it was obtained from an undoubted source. 



HARTFORD. 51 

volume which was published in 1807, illustrated by several humorous 

designs by Mr. Tisdal. The following is the Boston editor's account 

of the thunder storm, which was the occasion of drawing forth the first 

Echo. 

" On Tuesday last, about (our o'clock, P. M. came on a smart shower of rain, at 
tended with lightningand thunder, no ways remarkable. The clouds soon dissipated^ 
and the appearance of the azure vault, left trivia! hopes of further needful supplies 
from the uncorked bottles of In net n. In a few moments the horizon was again over- 
shadowed, and an almost impenetrable gloom mantled the face of the skies. The 
wind frequently shifting from one point to another, watted the clouds in various di- 
rections, until "at last ihey united in one common center, and shrouded the visible 
globe in thick darkness. "The attendant lightning, with the accompanying thunder, 
brought forth from the treasures that embattled elements to awful conflict, were ex- 
tremely vivid and amazing loud. Those buildings that were defended by electric 
rods, appeared to be wrapped in sheets of vivid flame, and a flood of the pure fire roll- 
ed its burning torrents down them with alarming violence. The majestic roar of dis- 
ploding thunders, now bursting with a sudden crash, and now wasting the rumbling 
Echo of their sounds in other lands, added indescribable grandeur to the sublime 
scene. The windows of the upper regions appeared as thrown wide open, ami the 
trembling cataract poured impetuous down. More salutary showers, and more need- 
ed, have not been experienced this summer. Several previous weeks had exhibited a 
melancholy sight : the verdure of fields was nearly destroyed ; and the patient hus- 
bandman almost experienced despair. Two beautiful rainbows, the one existing in 
its native glories, and the other a splendid reflection of primitive colors, closed the 
magnificent picture, and presented to the contemplative mind the ange! of mercy, 
clothed with the brilliance of this irradiated arch, and dispensing felicity to assembled 
worlds. It is not unnatural to expect that the thunder storm would be attended with 
some damage. "We hear a barn belonging to Mr. Wythe, of Cambridge, caught lire 
from the lightning, which entirely consumed the same, together with several tons of 
hay, &c." 

This is echoed in the following manner: 

" On Tuesday last great Sol, with piercing eye, 
Pursued his journey through the vaulted sky, 
And in his car effulgent roll'd his way 
Four hours beyond the burning zone of day ; 
When lo! a cioud, o'ershadowing all the plain, 
From countless pores perspired a liijuid rain, 
While from its cracks the lightnings made a peep, 
And chit-chat thunders rock'd our fears asleep. 
But soon the vapory fog dispersed in air, 
And left the azure blue-eyed concave bare : 
Even the last drop of hope, which dripping skies 
Gave for a moment to our straining eyes, 
Like Boston rum, from heaven's junk bullies broke, 
Lost all the corks, and vanish'd into smoke. 

" But swift from worlds unknown, a fresh supply 
Of vapor dimm'd the gieat horizon's eye; 
The crazy clouds, by shifting zephyrs driven, 
Wafted their courses through the high-arch'd heaven, 
Till piled aloft in one stupendous heap. 

The seen and unseen worlds grew dark, and nature 'gan to weep. 
Attendant lightnings slream'd their tails afar, 
And social thunders waked ethereal war, 
From dark deep pockets brought their treasured store, 
Embattled elements increased the roar — 
Red crinkling fires expended all their force, 
And tumbling rumblings steer'd their headlong course. 
Those guarded frames by thunder poles secured, 
Though wrapp'd in sheets of flame, those sheets endured ; 
O'er their broad roofs the fiery torrents roll'd, 
And every shingle seem'd of burning gold. 
Majestic thunders, with disploding roar, 
And sudden crashing, bounced along the shore, 
Till, lost in other lands, the whispering sound 
Fled from our ears and fainted on the ground. 



52 HARTFORD. 

Rain's house on high its window sashes oped, 
And out the cataract impetuous hopp'd, 

While the grand .scene by fat more grand appear'd, 
With lightnings never seen and thunders never heard. 

"More salutary showers have not been known, 
To wash dame Nature's dirty homespun gown — 
For several weeks the good old Joan's been seen, 
With filth bespatter'd like a lazy quean. 
The husbandman last traveling to despair, 
Laid down Ins hoe and took' his rocking chair ; 
While his fat wile the well and cistern dried, 
Her mop grown useless bung it up and cried. 

"Two rainbows lair that Iris brought along, 
Pick'd from the choicest of hei color'd throng; 
The first born deck'd in pristine hues of light, 
In all its native glories glowing bright, 
The next adorn'd with less refulgent rays, 
But borrowing Inslei from its brother's blaze; 
Shone a bright reflex of those colors gay 
That deck'd with light creation's pi imal day, 
When iufant Nature lisp'd her earliest notes, 
And t/ounker Adamcrept in petticoats: 
And to the people to reflection uiven, 
' The sons of Boston, the elect of heaven,' 
Presented Mercy's angel smiling fan, 
Irradiate splendors frizzled in his hair, 
Uncorking demi-johns, and pouring down 
Heaven's liquid blessings on the gaping town. 

" N. B. At Cambridge town, the selfsame day, 
A barn was burnt well fill'd with hay. 
Some say the lightning turn'd it red, 
Some say the thunder struck it dead. 
Some say it made the cattle stare, 
And some it kill'd an aged mare; 
But we expect the truth to learn, 
From Mr. Wythe, who own'd the barn." 



The following account, describing the transactions of Election day 
in Hartford, is from Kendall's travels in the northern parts of the Uni- 
ted States, in 1807 and 1808; it is in the main a correct description of 
the Election ceremonies, as they were annually performed from olden 
time. Since the adoption of the present Constitution, Election days 
have taken place alternately in Hartford and New Haven. From this 
period the progress of reform has been so far extended, that nearly the 
whole of the ceremonies here described, have been dispensed with ; 
first, the clergy were not allowed to dine at the public expense ; next, 
the Governor's Guards were restricted in the same manner. The Le^ 
gislature next dispensed with the Election sermon, and lastly, for two or 
three years past the members of the Assembly formed no procession. 

'< I reached Hartford at noon, on Wednesday, the 19th of Mac. ls(>7. The city is on 
the west bank of the Connecticut, forty live miles above its mouth. The governor, 
whose family residence is on the east side of the river, at some distance from Hartford, 
was expected to arrive in the evening. This gentleman, whose name is Jonathan 
Trumbull, is the son of the late Governor Jonathan Trumbull; and though the elec- 
tion is annual, he has himself been three or four years in offi< e, and will almost cer- 
tainly so continue during the remainder of his life, ll was known that the votes were 
at this time in his favor. 

"The governor has volunteer companies of guards, both horse and loot. In the 
afternoon the horse were drawn up on the banks ol the river, to receive him. and es- 
cort him to his lodgings. He came before sunset, and the fineness of the evening, the 



HARTFORD. 53 

beauty of the river, the respectable appearance of the governor and of the troop, the 
dignity of the occasion, and the decorum observed, united to gratify the spectators. 
The color of the clothes of the troop was blue. The governor, though on horseback, 
was dressed in black; but he wore a cockade, in a hat which 1 did not like the less, 
because it was in its form rather of the old school than of the new. 

" In the morning, the foot guards were paraded in front of the Stale House, where 
they afterwards remained under arms, while the troop of horse occupied the street 
which is on the south side of the building. The clothing ol the foot was scarlet, 
with white waistcoats and pantaloons; and their appearance and demeanor were mili- 
tary. 

" The day was fine, and the apartments and galleries of the State House afforded 
an agreeable place of meeting, in which the members of the Assembly and others 
awaited the coming of the governor. At about eleven o'clock, his excellency entered 
the State House, and shortly after took his place at the head of a procession, which 
was made to a meeting house or church, at something less than half a mile distant. 
The procession was on foot, and was composed of the person of the governor, to- 
gether with the lieutenant governor, assistants, high sheriffs, members of the lower 
house of assembly, and unless with accidental exceptions, all the clergy of the State. 
It was preceded by the foot guards, and followed by the horse ; and attended by ga- 
zers, that, considering the size and population of the city, may be said to have been 
numerous. The church, which from its situation is called the South Meeting House, 
is a small one, and was resorted to on this occasion, only because that more ordinarily 
Used was at the time rebuilding. The edifice is of wood, alike unornamented within 
and without; and when filled, there was still presented to the eye nothing but what 
had the plainest appearance. The military remained in the street, with the exception 
of a few officers, to whom no place of honor or distinction was assigned; neither the 
governor nor other magistrates were accompanied with any insignia of office ; the 
clergy had no canonical costume, and there were no females in the church, except a 
few (rather more than twenty in number) who were stationed b " themselves in a gal- 
lery opposite the pulpit, in quality of singers. A decent order was the highest char- 
acteristic that presented itself. 

" The pulpit, or, as it is here called, the desk, was filled by three, if not four clergy- 
men ; a number which, by its form and dimensions it was able to accommodate. Of 
these, one opened the service with a prayer, another delivered a sermon, a third made a 
concluding prayer, and a fourth pronounced a benediction. Several hymns were 
sung; and among others an occasional one. The total number of singers was be- 
tween forty and fifty. 

" The sermon, as will be supposed, touched upon matters of government. When 
all was finished, the procession returned to the Stale House. The clergy who walked 
were about a hundred in number. 

" It was in the two bodies of guards alone, that any suitable approach to magnifi- 
cence discovers itself. The governor was full dressed, in a suit of black; but the 
lieutenant governor wore riding boots. All, however, was consistently plain, and in 
unison with itself, except the dress swords which were worn by high sheriffs, along 
with their village habiliments: and of which the fashion and the materials were mar- 
yelously diversified. Arrived in front of the Stale House, the military formed on 
each side of the street; and as the governor passed them, presented aims. The sev- 
eral parts of the procession now separated ; each retiring to a dinner prepared for 
itself at an adjoining inn; the governor, lieutenant governor, and assistants to their 
fable, the clergy to a second, and the representatives to a third. The time of day 
was about two in the afternoon. 

" Only a short time elapsed before business was resumed ; or rather, at length com- 
menced. The General Assembly met in the council room, and the written votes being 
examined and counted, the names of the public officers elected were formally declar- 
ed. They were in every instance the same as those which had been successful the 
preceding year, and for several years before. 

" This done, the lieutenant governor administered the oath to the governor elect, who 
bejngsworn, proceeded to administer their respective oaths to the lieutenant governor 
and the rest; and here terminated the affairs of the election day. Soon after six 
o'clock, the military fired three fev.r dc joics, and were then dismissed. 

" On the evening following that of the election day, there is an annual ball at Hart- 
ford, called the election ball ; and on the succeeding Monday, a second, which is more 
select. The election day is a holiday throughout the State; and even the whole re- 
mainder of the week is regarded in a similar light. Servants and others are now in- 
demnified for the loss of the festivals of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide, which 
the principles of their church deny them. Families exchange visits, and treat their 
guests with slices of election cake; and thus preserve some portion of the luxuries 



54 HARTFORD. 

of the forgotten feast of the Epiphany. The whole day, like the morning, and like 
the evening which preceded it, was line. In Hartford, the degree of bustle was suffi- 
cient to give an air of importance to the scene; a scene that taken altogether, was 
not unfitted to leave on the mind a pleasing and respectful impression. The follow- 
ing are the words of the occasional hymn, which as 1 have said was sung: 
" Hail, happy land ! hail, happy State! 
Whose free-born sons in safety meet, 

To bless the Lord Most High ! 
With one consent now let us raise 
The thankful tribute of our praise 
To him who rules the sky ! 

" The mercies He to us hath shown — 
The wonders He for us hath done, 

His sovereign hand proclaim ; 
Come, and with grateful hearts adore 
The God who saves us by His power, 

And bless aloud his name ! 

" Come, let us kneel before His face, 
Devoutly supplicate His grace, 

And His high aid implore ; 
That he, our nation, state, and land, 
May save by His Almighty Hand, 

Till time shall be no more !" 



EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. 

Hartford, May 8lh, 1166. 

Last Monday evening the long expected, joyful news of the total repeal of the 
Stamp Act arrived in town ; upon winch happy event, the General Assembly of this 
colony, now sitting here, appointed the Friday following as a day of general rejoicing. 
The morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells— the shipping in the river dis- 
played their colors — at 12 o'clock twenty one cannon were discharged, and the great- 
est preparations making for a general illumination. Joy smiled in every face, and 
universal gladness diffused itself through all ranks and degrees. But sudden was the 
transition from the height of joy to extreme sorrow ! A number of young gentlemen 
were preparing fire works for the evening, in the chamber of the large brick school 
house,* under which a quantity of powder granted by the Assembly for the purposes 
of the day, was deposited. Two companies of militia had just received a pound a. 
man, by the delivery of which a train was scattered from the powder cask to the dis- 
tance of three rods from the house, where a number of boys were collected, who unde- 
signedly and unnoticed, set fire to the scattered powder, which was soon communica- 
ted to that within doors, and in an instant reduced the building to a heap of rubbish, 
and buried the following persons in its ruins, viz. 

Mr. Levi Jones, John Knowles, (an apprentice to Mr. Thomas Sloan, blacksmith,) 
and Richard Lord, second son to Mr. John Hans. Lord, died of their wounds soon 
after they were taken from under the ruins of the building. Mr. William Gardiner, 
merchant, had both his legs broke. Doct. Nathaniel Ledyard, had one of his thighs 
broke. Mr. Samuel Talcott, Jun. very much burnt in his face and arms. Mr. James 
Siley, goldsmith, had one of his shoulders dislocated and some bruises in the other 
parts of his body. Mr. John Cook, Jun. had his back and neck much hurt. Ephraim 
Perry, slightly wounded. Thomas Forbes, wounded in his head. Daniel Butler, 
(the tavern keeper's son,) had one of his ankles put out of joint. Richard Burnham, son 
to Mr. Elisha Burnham, had his thigh, leg and ankle broke. Eli Wadsworth, (Capt. 
Samuel's son,) is much wounded and burnt, in his face, hands, and other parts of his 
body. John Bunce, Jun. (an apprentice to Mr. Church, hatter,) wounded in the head, 
Normond Morrison, (a lad that lives with Capt. Siley,) a good deal burnt and bruised. 
Roderick Lawrence, (Capt. Lawrence's son,) slightly wounded. William Skinner, 
(Capt. Daniel's son,) had both his thighs broke. Timothy Phelps (son lo Mr. Timo- 
thy Phelps, shop joiner.) had the calf lorn off one of his legs. Valentine Vaughn, 
(son to Mr. Vaughn, baker,) had his skull terribly broke. Horace Seymour, (Mr, 
Jonathan Seymour, Jun. son,) two sons of Mr. John Goodwin, a son of Mr. John 
Watson, and a son of Mr. Kellogg, hatter, were slightly wounded. Two mulatto 
and two negro boys were also wounded. — Conn. Gazette, May 31, 1706. 



This building stood where the Hartford Hotel now stands. 



HARTFORD. 55 

Hurt ford, September 22d, 1766. 
There are the greatest number of bears come down among the towns that ever 
was known; they destroy great quantities of Indian com, and make great havoc 
among the sheep and swine. Last Tuesday morning a large he bear was discovered 
in an enclosure opposite the Treasurer's, and being pursued, he took to the main street, 
which he kept till he got to the lane that turns eastward by the south meeting house, 
(notwithstanding his being pelted from every part of the street, with stones, clubs, &c.) 
and was followed into the south meadow, where he was shot. The number of peo- 
ple that were out of doors, to see so uncommon an animal in the town made it dan- 
gerous to fire at him in the street. In the evening he was roasted whole, and a large 
company supped on him. — Neiv London Gaz. Oct. 10£A, 1776. No. 152. 



Hartford, June 24, 1768. 
Mr. Printer, — I wish you would put this into your newspaper for the complainant. 
Sir, — I was at Hartford a little while ago, and I see folks running about streets 
after the gentlemen that belonged to the General Assembly ; and I asked what it was 
for, and an old woman told me that they come a great way, mater of forty miles eas- 
terly, to find fault with what the Assembly was a going to do. And what I want of 
you is, to complain of it ; for it does not seem clever to have them gentlemen pestered 
so by cats-paws, when we have got them to do all our business for us by themselves. 
And you know when folks have folks talking to them all the while, it will pester them. 
I wonder people will act so ; if what I % once read in a book is true, 
" Know, villains, when such paltry slaves presume 
To mix in treason ; if the plot succeeds, 
They're tin own neglected by." 

New London Gaz. June 24th, 1768. No. 241. 



Hartford, November 10, 1778. 
On Tuesday last, were executed on Rocky Hill in this town, David Farnsworth 
and John Blair, who were tried and found guilty at a Division Court Martial, held 
at Danbury the 18th inst., for being found about the encampment of the armies of the 
United States, as spies, and having a large sum of counterfeit money about them, 
which they brought from New York. 

Hartford, March 20, 1781. 
The following is an extract of his excellency General Washington's orders of the 
17th instant. Alexander Mc Dowall, late lieutenant and adjutant of Colonel Welles' 
regiment of the state troops of Connecticut, having been, by a general court martial 
of the line, held at Hartford the 7th day of March, 1781, whereof Colonel Heman 
Swift was President, found guilty of desertion to the enemy, and by the said court 
martial sentenced to suffer death for the same, agreeable to the sixth section of the first 
Article of War; which sentence is ordered to be put in execution on Wednesday, the 
21st instant, at Hartford, between the hours of ten in the forenoon and three in the 
afternoon of the same day. 



Hartford, May 29, 1781. 
On Saturday the 19th inst. his excellency General Washington, accompanied by 
Gen. Knox, Gen. Du Portail, and their respective suites, arrived at Wethersfield ; 
being escorted into town by a number of gentlemen from Hartford and Wethersfield. 
As he dismounted at his quarters he was saluted by the discharge of thirteen cannon, 
by the corps of Artillery, under the command of Capt. Frederick Bull. On Monday 
the 21st instant, his excellency the Count du Rochambeau, commanding the army of 
his most Christian Majesty at Newport, Gen. Chatteleu, and their suites, arrived at 
Wethersfield. They were met at Hartford, by his excellency General Washington, 
the officers of the army, and a number of gentlemen, who accompanied them to 
Wethersfield, where they wefe saluted with the discharge of cannon. Every mark of 
attention and politeness were shewn their excellencies, and the other gentlemen of 
the allied armies whilst attending the convention. 



Hartford, February 25, 1783. 
To his excellency the Governor of the State of Connecticut. 

Philadelphia, January 10, 1783. 
Sir, — His majesty has been informed of the marks of joy, which the State of Con- 
necticut has shewn on the occasion of the birth of the Monseigner the Dauphin. He 
views with a great deal of satisfaction the part that the citizens of your state have ta- 
ken in this happy event. The Kin; f-stify his sensibility on this subject, 



56 HARTFORD. 

and at the same time charges me to assure the citizens and inhabitants of the State of 
Connecticut of his attention, and of the particular interest which he shall always take 
in their prosperity. 

I have the honor to be, with respectful attachment, your excellency's very obedient, 
humble servant, LE CHEVALIER DE LA LUZERNE. 

Connecticut Journal, No. 800. 



Hartford, January 4, 1785. 

At the Supreme Court, now sitting in this city, the following persons have been 
convicted and sentenced, viz. Moses Parker, for horse stealing, to sit on a wooden 
horse half an hour, receive fifteen stripes, pay a fine of £10, be confined in gaol and 
the work-house three months, and every Monday morning for the first month to re- 
ceive ten stripes and sit on the wooden horse as aforesaid. 

Moses Fisk, of Middletown, for counterfeiting Treasurer's certificate, to receive 
twenty stripes, pay a fine of £20, and be confined six months. 

Judah Benjamin, for polygamy', (he having married a wife in Symsbury, when he 
had another living in Massachusetts,) to receive ten stripes, be branded with the letter 
A, and wear a halter about his neck during his continuance in this State ; and if ever 
found with it off, to receive thirty stripes. 

The Supreme Court at their present session, has tried and convicted several per- 
sons of the crimes of forgery, horse stealing and bigamy r , and the villains received 
their respective punishments. One of the rogues was sentenced to ride the wooden 
horse, that wonderful refinement of punishment in our modern statutes. Accordingly 
on Thursday last, the terrible machine was prepared — consisting of one simple stick 
of wood, supported by four legs ; and by order of the sheriff placed on the State House 
square. Hither the prisoner was conducted, and being previously well booted and 
spurred by the officer, was mounted on the oaken stud. Here he continued for half 
an hour, laughimr at his own fate, and making diversion for anumerous body of spec- 
tators who honored him with their company. He took several starts for a race with 
the best horses in the city; and it was difficult to determine who were most pleased 
with the exhibition, the criminal or the spectators. After this part of the sentence 
had been legally and faithfully executed, the culprit was dismounted and led to the 
whipping post, where the duties made him more serious. The whole was performed 
with great order and regularity. — Connecticut Cuurant, No. 1041. 



The new Theatre in this city was opened on Monday evening last, with a celebrated 
comedy, entitled, the Dramatist, preceded by a handsome and pertinent address, by 
Mr. Hodgkinson. From the specimen that has been given of the abilities of the per- 
formers, and the assurance of the managers, that they will so conduct the Theatre, 
that it may be justly styled a school of morality ; it is presumed that it will be a great 
source of instruction and amusement to those who visit it; and we will hazard the 
assertion, notwithstanding the prejudices that some have entertained against it, that as 
an amusement, it is the most innocent, and, as a source of instruction, it is the most 
amusing of any that we have ever yet experienced. While the theatre is well eon- 
ducted, on chaste principles — when vice is drawn in colors that will disgust, and vir- 
tue painted with all its alluring charms it is hoped it will meet the approbation and 
encouragement of the citizens, and of the neighboring towns. — Connecticut Covrunt, 
Aug. 1<MA, 1795. 

Prologue on the establishment of a new Theatre in Hartford. Written and spoken by 

Mr. Hodgkinson. 

Here, while fair peace spreads her protecting wing, 
Science and Art, secure from danger spring, 
Guarded by freedom — strengthen'd by the laws, 
Their progress must command the world's applause. 

While through all Europe horrid discord reigns, 
And the destructive sword crimsons her plains: 
()! be it ours to shelter the opprest, 
Here let them find peace, liberty and rest; 
Upheld by Washington, at whose dread name 
Proud Anarchy* retires with fear and shame. 

* The Western insurrection. 



HARTFORD. 57 



Among the liberal arts, behold the Stage, 

Rise, tho' oppos'd by stern fanatic rage ' 

Prejudice shrinks, and as the croud gives way, 

Reason and candor, brighten up the day. 

No immorality now stains our page, 

No vile obscenity — in this blest age, 

Where mild Religion takes her heavenly reign. 

The Stage the purest precepts must maintain: 

If from this rule it swerv'd at any lime, 

It was the People's, nut the Stage's crime. 

Let them spurn aught that's out of virtue's rule, 

The Stage will ever be a virtuous school. 

And though inong players some there may be found, 

Whose conduct is not altogether sound, 

The Stage is not alone in this to blame, 

Ev'ry profession will have still the same : 

A virtuous sentiment from vice may come ! 

The libertine may praise a happy home ; 

Your remedy is good with such a teacher; 

Imbibe the precept, but condemn the preacher. 



Connecticut Courant, Nor. 19th, 1795. 
When the Editors of the Connecticut Courant and American Mercury first enlar- 
ged their papers, they flattered themselves that they should be able to continue them at 
the original price of seven shillings per annum, without subjecting themselves to too 
great a loss. But from the very great rise of every article of family consumption, 
and the'consequent depreciation of money, they find it no lunger practicable. In do- 
ing it, they are subjecting themselves ion loss of nearly one fall' the real value of 
their labor. Allowing their papers to have been as good as they formerly were before 
their enlargement, they presume that their customers would have justified them for 
increasing the price of them in proportion to the increase of their size. And since 
every thing else has risen at least fifty per cent, and some articles more than a hun- 
dred, they conceive it but reasonable that they should, alter previously notifying their 
customers, float along with the general tide. Influenced by these motives, they hereby 
inform their customers, that from the first of January next, the price of the Connec- 
ticut Courant and American Mercury will be nine shillings per annum, or two shil- 
lings and three pence a quarter, which is only about half the advance of almost every 
other article. At the same time that they acknowledge with grateful sensations, the 
liberal encouragement which a generous public have given them, they engage that no 
exertion on their part shall be wanting to merit a continuance of it; and that they 
will endeavor to render their papers acceptable to their customers, by embracing every 
opportunity which may offer for improving them. 

HUDSON & GOODWIN, 
ELISHA BABCOCK. 

P. S. Those who have paid for their papers in advance, will have them continued 
agreeable to contract. 



Connecticut Courant, Jan. 11, 1796. 
To the Towns of Hartford, and East Hartford. — You are no strangers to the abuses 
practiced at your ferry, but you do not reform Ihem. They are become so enormous 
that to be silent longer, would bea crime. I have only to charge the ferrymen of East 
Hartford with extortion — they are obliging and attentive : but those of Hartford with 
drunkenness, inattention, delay and extortion. Within a few days past the ferrymen 
at Hartford refused to carry over two travelers unless they would wait half an hour, 
which as they were in haste, they refused, and went to Wethersfield to pass the ferry. 
I often cross the ferry, and have complained in vain. A gentleman advised me to 
prosecute the ferrymen — I have neither time nor inclination to do so ; but I expect 
the impartial printers in Hartford will publish this, and I promise them if they do so, 
and there is not a reformation, I will use my influence to have a petition from a very 
respectable number of injured citizens to the General Assembly, praying for redress, 
in which I will enumerate facts to show that I have not told half in this paper. I will 
prove them all from the inhabitants of the two towns. If the present fare be too low, 
I have no objection to its being raised by law ; but two, three, and four fold, to be col- 
lected unlawfully, is too much, without adding delay and insult. A Traveler. 

8 



58 



HAltTFOBD 



Connecticut Courant, June I2lh, 1797. 

On Saturday the 10th inst. the sentence of death was executed in this town upon 
Richard Done, a native of Ireland, for the murder of Daniel Mclver, on the 4th of 
July, A.D. 1796. As there had not been an execution in this place for a considerable 
number of years, a large concourse of people collected from the neighboring towns to 
witness this melancholy spectacle. It is generally thought there were from six to ten 
thousand persons present. 

At one o'clock, P. M. the people congregated on the east side of the Stale House in 
this city, from the portico of which the"" Rev. Mr. Strong delivered a sermon (by par- 
ticular desire of the unhappy prisoner) from the following words of the prophet Ho- 
sea, chapter vi. verse 6. ' : For I desired mercy and not sacrifice ; and the knowledge 
of God more than burnt offering." About three o'clock the prisoner, guarded by two 
companies of militia, attended by several clergymen, the high sheriff of the county 
of Hartford, and his deputies, proceeded to the place of execution ; and at half past 
lour, the scaffold was dropped from under him. As he had from the first, so he to the 
last moment of his existence, persisted in denying his having been guilty of willful 
murder. He told the same story uniformly. On this occasion every part of the exer- 
cise was performed with the greatest decency and propriety ; and we are happy to 
add, that amid such a number of people, no unfortunate accident took place. 

Connecticut Courant, Hartford Dec. 30th, 1799. 
In consequence of the afflicting intelligence of the death of General Washington, 
divine services were performed at the north meetinghouse in this town on Friday 
last. The town never exhibited a more solemn and interesting appearance. Notice 
having been given to the inhabitants of this and the neighboring towns, the concourse 
ol people was greater, than almost ever was known on any former occasion. The 
stores and shops were shut through the day— all business suspended — the bells were 
muffled, and tolled at intervals, from nine in the morning until the services commen- 
ced. The meeting house was greatly crowded, and still a large proportion of the 
people could not get in at the doors. The services were appropriate, solemn and im- 
pressive. A very eloquent and pathetic sermon was delivered by the Rev. Nathan 
Strong, to a most attentive, devout, and mourning audience, from Exod. xi. 3. " And 
the man Moses was very great," &c. The music was solemn and sublime; and the 
whole scene exhibited in the strongest of all possible colors, the deep affliction of the 
people at a loss utterly irreparable. The floods of tears, the badges of mourning 
which were universally worn, the church hung in black, a procession of many hun- 
dreds of persons, composed of men of all classes, and the solemn grief pictured on 
every countenance, made impressions on the minds of the beholders, which many 
years will not efface. We presume that the sentiments and feelings which inspired 
the persons present, pervade the country, on the distressing event which called them 
together. However divided into parties on political subjects, with respect to the char- 
acter of this great man, we trust there is but one opinion in the United States. As he 
lived beloved and admired, he has died truly lamented ; and his- memory will be hon- 
ored as long as wisdom, virtue and piety shall be esteemed among men. " The beau- 
ty of Israel is slain upon the high places ; how are the mighty fallen." 

The following Hymn* was sung on the melancholy occasion — 

What solemn sounds the ear invade ! 
What wraps the land in sorrow's shade ! 
From Heaven the awful mandate flies, 
The Father of his Country dies. 

Let every heart be filled with woe, 
Let every eye with tears o'erflow, 
Each form oppressed with deepest gloom, 
Be clad in vestments of the tomb. 

Behold that venerable band ! 
The rulers of our mourning land, 
With grief proclaim from shore to shore, 
" Our guide, our Washington's no more !'' 

Where shall our country turn its eye 1 
What help remains beneath the sky'? 
Our Friend, Protector, Strength and Trust, 
Lies low and mouldering in the dust. 

* Written by Theodore D wight, Esq. 



HAHTPORD. 59 



Almighty God, to thee we fly — 
Before thy Throne above the sky, 
In deep prostration humbly bow, 
And pour the penitential vow. 

Hear, O Most High ! our earnest prayer — 
" Our country take beneath thy care, 
" When dangers press, and Iocs draw near. 
"May future Washington^ appear." 



The following epitaphs and inscriptions are copied from monuments 
in the ancient burying ground, back of the Center Church.* 

Here lyeth the body op Mr. David Gardiner of Gardiners Island Deceased 
Ivly 10. 1G89 in the fifty fovrtii year of his age. Well, Sick, Dead in one 
hovrs space 

Engrave the remembrance of Death on thine Heart 
When as thov dost see how swiftly hovrs depart 

The above inscription is on a plain slab of red sandstone, a little 
north of the central part of the yard. David Gardiner, whose death 
it records, was them's* while child born in Connecticut. He removed, 
it appears, with his father, Lyon Gardiner, to Gardiner's Island, and 
coining to Hartford, probably on public business, died suddenly. The 
stone is placed horizontally over his grave, and (1S36) partly imbed- 
ded in the earth, and was with some difficulty deciphered. John G. 
Gardiner, Esq. the gentleman to whom the author is indebted for the 
account of Capl. Kidd, (p. 23,) mentions that his father erected a mon- 
ument to the memory of his ancestors on Gardiner's Island, in June, 
1806. On this monument it is stated, that Lyon Gardiner died in 
1663. u David, his son, born at Saybrook, April 29, 1636, the first 
white child born in Connecticut, died 16 — . Mary, his wife, whom he 
married at Westminster, England, died 16 — ." It appears by this that 
Mr. Gardiner did not know at what time or at what place his ancestor 
died; it was supposed by the family, (previous to the discovery of the 
monument at Hartford, by the author of this work, in 1835,) that he 
was buried somewhere on Gardiner's Island. 

" We have," says Mr. Gardiner, " an old Bible in the house, which 
belonged to Lyon Gardiner, upon a blank leaf of which the following 
is written. 

" In the year of our Lord, 1635, the 10th of July, came I, Lion Gar- 
diner and Mary my wife from Worden, a town in Holland, where my 
wife was born, being the daughter of one Diricke Willemson deureant ; 
her mother's name was Hachir, and her aunt, sister of her mother, was 
the wife of Wouter Leanerdson, old burger Muster, dwelling in the 
hostrade, over against the Bruser in the Unicorne's head ; her brother's 
name was Punce Garretson, also old burger Muster. We came from 



* The citizens of Hartford have quite recently raised 1.500 dollars for the purpose 
of improving the ancient burying ground : all the old monuments have been replaced 
and repaired ; graveled walks have been made, numerous shade and other trees have 
been set out, and it is expected that during the present year (1837) a handsome obelisk, 
inscribed with the names of the first settlers of the town, will be erected. This well 
merited token of respect to the memory and ashes of the venerated dead, is in accord- 
ance with the best feelings of our nature, and it is hoped that this honorable example 
of the citizens of Hartford, will be followed in other places. 



60 HARTFORD. 

Worden to London, and from thence to New England, and dwelt at 
Say-brook fort four years — it is at the mouth of Connecticut river — of 
which I was commander, and there was born unto me a son, named 
David, 1635, the 29th of April, the first born in that place, and 1638 
a daughter was born, named Mary, 30th of August, and then I went to 
an island of my own, which I had bought and purchased of the Indians, 
called by them Monchonack, by us Isle of Wight, and there was born 
another daughter, named Elizabeth, the 14th September, 1641, she 
being the first child of English parents that was born there." 

R 

An epitaph on M Samuel Stone, Deceased ye 61 

yeare of his age ivly 20 1663. 
newengland's glory & her radiant crowne, 
Was he who now on softest red of downe, 
Til glorious resurrection morne appeare, 
Doth safely, sweetly sleepe in Jesus here, 
In nature's solid art, & reasoning well, 
tls ksowne, beyond compare, he did excellt 
Errors corrupt, by sinnewous dispute, 

He DID OPPVGNE, & CLEARLY THEM CONFUTE: 

Above all things he Christ his Lord preferrd, 
Hartford, thy richest jewel's here interd. 

The above inscription is on a plain slab of red sandstone or freestone, 
about five inches in thickness, raised on blocks of the same, a short dis- 
tance from the ground. Another slab of the same material is by its side, 
on which is an inscription in memory of Mr. Hooker, styled by the au- 
thor of the Magnalra " the light of the western churches." This in- 
scription has been put upon the stone in the course of a few years past ; 
the engraving is in imitation of the ancient method of making letters. 

In memory of the Rev. Thomas Hooker, who, in 1636, with his assistant Mr. Stone, 
removed to Hartford with about 100 persons, where he planted ye first church in Con- 
necticut, an eloquent, able and faithful Minister of Christ. He died July 7th, iEt. LXI. 



The following lines respecting Mr. Stone, are from " The Wonder- 
working Providence," &.c. said to have been written by Capt. Edward 
Johnson, the first settler, and for many years representative in the Gen- 
eral Court, for Woburn, Mass. Capt. Johnson was from Kent in Eng- 
land ; he died in 1672. 

" Thou well smooth'd Stone Chris ts work-manship to be ; 

In's Church new laid his weake ones to support, 
With's word of might his foes are foil'd by thee ; 

Thou daily dost to godliness exhort. 
The Lordly Prelates people do deny 

Christs Kingly power Hozanna to proclaime, 
Mens mouths arestopt, but Stone poor dust doth try, 

Throughout his Churches none but Christ doth raigne. 
Mourne not Oh Man, thy youth and learning's spent; 

In desart Land, my Muse is bold to say, 
For glorious workes Christ his hath hither sent; 

Like that great worke of Ressurrection day." 

The following is on a plain upright marble slab, in the western part 

of the yard. 

The General Convention of the Universal Churches, in memory of their dear de- 
parted Brother, the Rev. Elbanan Winchester, erected this monumental stone. He 
died April 18th, 1797, aged 46 years. 



HABTFOKD. 61 

'Twas thine lo preach with animated zeal 

The glories of the Restitnl ion morn, 
When Sin. Death, Hell, the power of Christ shall feel, 

And Light, Lite, Immortality, be born. 



The following are copied from monuments in the new burying ground, 
north of the city, on the Windsor road. 



1L. 



V 



m 



Dr. Strong's Monument. 

Eeneath this monument are deposited the remains of the Rev. Nathan Strong, D.D. 
Pastor of the Church in the First Ecclesiastical Society in Hartford. Endowed with 
rare talents, and eminent for learning and eloquence, he zealously devoted himself to 
the cause of Religion : and, alter many yea is of faithful services, approved and blessed 
by the Holy Spirit, he feel asleep in Jesus, deeply lamented by his friends, the people 
of his charge, and the church of Christ. " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord 
for they rest from their labors." 

Da the opposite side. 

This monument is erected by the First Ecclesiastical Society in Hartford, in mem- 
ory of the Rev. Nathan Strong, D. D. born 16th October, 1748," ordained 5th' January 
1774, died 25th December, 1816. 

In memory of Mary Ann Dodd, who departed this life March 26, 1813, ag-ed 27 
years, wife of Elisha Dodd. 

" Pleasant be thy rest, O lovely beam, soon hast thou set on our hills." 
On the same monument are recorded the deaths of three young chil- 
dren of Mr. Dodd. This is accompanied with another beautiful and 
expressive quotation from Ossian, viz. 

" They fell like three young Oaks which stood alone on the hill. The traveler saw 
the lovely trees, and wondered how they grew so lonely. The blast of the desert came 
by night, and laid their green heads low. Next day he returned, but they were with- 
ered, and the heath was bare." 



This monument, erected as a tribute of filial affection, is sacred to the memory of the 
Rev. James Cogswell, D. D.* He was born Jan. 6, 1720. and died Jan. 2, 1807. Sixty 
years a faithful laborer in the vineyard of his Lord : eminently distinguished by those 

* An affecting anecdote, showing the "ruling passion strong in death," is related 
respecting Dr. Cogswell. During his last illness, lie forgot his dearest friends, and 



62 



AVON, 



mild and humble virtues which adorn the Christian character, as he Jived, so he died, 
a shining example of faith. When his dearest friends were forgotten, Christ still liv- 
ed in his remembrance. He expired triumphantly, exclaiming "I do remember 
him : he is my God and my redeemer. " 



United in death, here rest the remains of Mason F. Cogswell, M. D. who died Dec. 
17th, 1830, aged b!) years— and of Alice Cogswell, who died Dec. 30, 1830, aged 25 
years — the Father, distinguished for his private virtues and public spirit, and his pro- 
fessional worth: and the daughter, (though deprived of hearing and speech,) for her 
intellectual attainments and loveliness of character. The American Asylum for the 
Deaf and Dumb, which under Providence, owes its origin to the father's tenderness 
towards his child, and his sympathy for her fellow sufferers, will stand an enduring 
monument to their memory, when this shall have perished. 



AVON. 

This town was originally a parish in the north part of Farmington, 
by the name of Northington. It was incorporated as a distinct town in 
1830. It is bounded n. by Canton and Salisbury, e. by Hartford and 
Bloomfield, w. by Burlington, and s. by Farmington. It is about 6 
miles in length, and upwards of 5J in breadth. This township is for 
the most part a level and fertile tract of land, in the valley of the Far- 
mington river, between two mountainous ridges, on the east and west. 
The population of the town in 1830, was 1,025. 




Eastern view of Avon. 

The above is a representation of the central part of Avon, as it ap- 
pears to the observer while descending Talcott mountain to the west- 
ward. This place is 9 miles from Hartford, and 6 north of Farmington. 
Farmington river runs nearly at the base of this mountain at this place. 
Its course is seen in the engraving, by the tops of the trees and bushes 
in the fore ground, immediately before the person who is looking to the 
westward : immediately above the head of the person represented, is 
seen the Baptist church, without a spire, having eight windows on the 



AVON, 



63 



east side. The Congregational church is seen beyond. The New 
Haven and Northampton Canal passes between these churches. The 
ancient Noi thington meeting house stood a few rods from the Farmington 
river, about 1£ miles s. e. of the Congregational church seen in the en- 
graving : it was burnt down nearly twenty years since.* The meeting 
houses now standing in the town, three in number, 2 Congregational and 
1 Baptist, were built immediately after the old one was destroyed. 




View of Monte Video or Wadsworth's Tower. 

In the north eastern corner of this town, about two miles north from the 
main road which passes over Talcott mountain, is " Wadsworth's Tow- 
er," so called from Daniel Wadsworth, Esq. of Hartford, who erected 
it, and also a summer-house and other buildings in the immediate vicin- 



* "I once attended public worship there," says Prof. Silliman, "on a pleasant but 
warm summer sabbath. The house was almost embowered in ancient forest trees : 
it was smaller than many private dwelling houses — was much dilapidated by time, 
which had furrowed the gray unpainted shingles and clapboards, with many water- 
worn channels, and it seemed as if it would soon fall. It was an interesting remnant 
of primeval New England manners. The people, evidently agricultural, had scarcely 
departed from the simplicity of our early rural habits; the men were not parading in 
foreign broadcloth, nor the women flaunting in foreign silks and muslins; but they 
appeared in domestic fabrics, and both men and women were dressed with simplicity. 
I do not mean that there were no exceptions, but this was the general aspect of the con- 
gregation, and, from the smallness of the house, although there were pews, it seemed 
rather a domestic than a public religious meeting. The minister corresponded admi- 
rably with the appearance of the house and congregation, as far as antiquity and pri- 
meval simplicity were concerned, but he was highly respectable for understanding, 
and sustained even in these humble circumstances, the dignity of his station. He 
was an old man, with hoary locks, and a venerable aspect, a man of God, of other 
times — a patriarchal teacher — not caring for much balanced nicety of phrase, but giv- 
ing his flock wholesome food, in sound doctrine and plain speech. His prayers had 
that detail of petition — that specific application, both to public and private concerns, 
and that directness of allusion, to the momentous political events of the day, and their 
apparent bearing upon this people, which was common among our ancestors, and 
especially among the first ministers, who brought with them the fervor of the times 
when they emigrated from England." 



64 AVON. 

ity. This place is also called Mo?itc Video, and is remarkable for its 
beauty in natural scenery : it is a place of resort for parties of pleasure 
from Hartford and other places in the vicinity. Having ascended the 
summit of Talcott mountain, those who wish to visit this spot must fol- 
low an obscure road which turns directly to the north. " The road is 
rough, and the view bounded on the east by the ridge, which in many 
places rises in perpendicular cliffs, to more than one hundred feet above 
the general surface of the mountain. At the end of a mile and a half, 
the road terminates at a tenant's house, built in the Gothic style, and at 
this place the scene is immediately changed. At the right, the ridge, 
which has seemed an impassable barrier, suddenly breaks off and disap- 
pears, but rises again at the distance of half a mile, in bold gray masses, 
to the height of one hundred and twenty feet, crowned by forest trees, 
above which appears a tower of the same color of the rocks. The space 
or hollow caused by the absence of the ridge, is occupied by a deep 
lake of the purest of water, nearly half a mile in length, and somewhat 
less than half that in width. Directly before you to the north, and ex- 
tending about half a mile, is a scene of cultivation, interspersed with trees, 
in the center of which stands a summer-house. The ground is gently 
undulating, bounded on the west by a precipice which overlooks Far- 
mington valley, and inclining gently to the east, where it is terminated 
by the margin of the trees that skirt the lake." 

The tower is situated on the summit of the ridge, standing within a 
few rods of the edge of the precipice. " The tower is a hexagon, of 
16 feet diameter, and fifty five feet high ; the ascent of about eighty 
steps, on the inside, is easy, and from the top, which is nine hundred 
and sixty feet above the level of Connecticut river, you have at one 
view, all those objects which have been seen separately from the dif- 
ferent stations below. The diameter of the view in two directions, is 
more than ninety miles, extending into the neighboring states of Massa- 
chusetts and New York. . . . The little spot of cultivation surrounding 
the house and the lake at your feet, with its picturesque appendages of 
boat, winding paths, and Gothic buildings, shut in by rocks and forests, 
compose the fore ground of this grand panorama. On the western side, 
the Farmington valley appears in still greater beauty than even from 
the lower brow, and is seen to a greater extent, presenting many objects 
which were not visible from any other quarter. On the east is spread 
before you, the great plain through which the Connecticut river winds 
its course, and upon the borders of which the towns and villages are tra- 
ced for more than forty miles. The most considerable place in sight is 
Hartford, where, although at the distance of eight miles in a direct line, 
you see, with the aid of a glass, the carriages passing at the intersection 
of the streets, and distinctly trace the motion and position of the vessels, 
as they appear, and vanish, upon the river, whose broad sweeps are 
seen, like a succession of lakes, extending through the valley. The 
whole of this magnificent picture, including within its vast extent culti- 
vated plains and rugged mountains, rivers, towns and villages, is encir- 
cled by a distant outline of blue mountains, rising in shapes of endless 
variety." 



BERLIN. 



05 



BERLIN. 

Berlin was incorporated as a town in 1785. It was previously the 
second society of Farmington, by the name of Kensington ; — a sec- 
tion of the towns of Wethersfiefd and Middletown were joined to it at 
its incorporation. Kensington was probably set off' from Farmington 
as a society about the year 1712, as the first minister, the Rev. Mr. 
Burnham, was ordained in that year. At this time there were but 14 
families in the place, and the church consisted of 10 members, seven 
males and three females. Previous to the settlement of Mr. Burnham, 
these families attended meeting at Farmington, and the women walked 
from 10 to 12 miles and carried their infants in their arms. Kensing- 
ton was divided about the year 1753, by the incorporation of the soci- 
ety of New Britain ; and Dr. Smalley, the first clergyman in this soci- 
ety, was ordained in 1758. In 1772, the society of Kensington was 
again divided, by the formation of the society of VVorthington ; its name 
being derived from one of the committee who located the society.* 








Northern view of Worthington, in Berlin. 

The township of Berlin is bounded north by Farmington, east by 
Middletown and Wethersfield, west by Southington, and south by Mer- 
iden. It has an average length of about 8 miles, and about 5 in 
breadth. The population of the town in 1S30 was 3,047. 

The above shows the general appearance and situation of the village 
of Worthington in Berlin. The southern termination of Mount Lamen- 
tation is seen on the left in the distance. This place was incorporated 
as a borough in 1834 ; its limits extend two miles from north to south, 
and about one mile from east to west, containing about 80 dwelling 
houses, 4 or 5 mercantile stores, 3 churches ; 1 Congregational, 1 Metho- 
dist, and 1 Universalis!, and an Academy. The making of tin ware is the 



* Pea.;e and Nilec'i Gazetteer. 
9 



66 BERLIN. 

most important manufacturing business done in the place. It is 11 
miles from Hartford, 23 from New Haven, and 8 from Wethersfield. 

The manufacturing of tin ware on this side of the Atlantic, probably 
first commenced in this place. About the year 1740, William or Edward 
Patterson, a native of Ireland, came to this country and settled in this 
place. His trade was that of a tinner ; and soon after his arrival, he 
commenced manufacturing tin ware, and continued in the business till 
the Revolution. He was then under the necessity of suspending it, as 
the raw material could not be obtained. After the war, this manufac- 
ture was carried on in this place, by those young men who had learned 
the art from Mr. Patterson ;* and from these persons the art has been 
extended over a number of the neighboring towns. For a considerable 
time Mr. Patterson carried on the business alone, and peddled his own 
ware in a basket ; but the value of the article becoming known, others 
engaged in the business, and the ware was soon scattered over the coun- 
try. At first others as well as Patterson peddled in baskets, carried by 
hand or on horses ; afterwards two wheeled carts were introduced, but 
those being found inadequate for long journeys, were succeeded by one 
horse wagons, and these in some measure by very large carriages, with 
two and four horses. The wares manufactured of tin were vended at 
first in New England and New York, and then gradually in the south- 
ern and western states. 

The first families who settled in New Britain, located themselves 
about half a mile east of the present village. The first meeting house 
in this parish was about half a mile northeast of the present Congrega- 
tional church. The eastern part of New Britain was first settled by 3 
families of the name of Judd, 3 of the name of Smith, and one by the 
name of Patterson : the Lewises settled in the south part ; the western 
part was settled by 3 families of Andrews and 2 by the name of Hart : 
the northeast part by the Stanleys, Hart, and Smith. The first settlers 
in the village were of the names of Lee, Judd, Booth and Mather. 

The cut on page 67 shows the central part of the flourishin gvillage 
of New Britain. The Methodist church, a plain building with 4 win- 
dows on the west end, is seen nearly in the central part of the engraving, 
eastward of which is seen the brass factory of Messrs. North & Stan- 
ley, 4 stories in height. The farthermost mountains seen in the dis- 
tance are eastward of Connecticut river, being the eastern boundary of 
the great valley of the Connecticut. The village, which has been built 
up within about a dozen years past, is situated around the border of what 
was formerly a kind of swamp, which by draining he. is now become 
quite valuable. New Britain contains about 1,500 inhabitants. The 
village contains 3 houses of worship ; 1 Congregational, 1 Methodist and 
1 Baptist. There are 45 factories in the society, principally brass facto- 
ries ; upwards of 700 hands are employed, and about 650,000 dollars 
capital invested. The latitude of the village, as ascertained by E. H. 
Burritt, Esq. is 41° 40' ; longitude, 72° 53' W. Distance from Hart- 
ford 10 miles s. w. and 28 from New Haven. 

* Dr. Dwisht. 




j!V". W. view of Nav Britain, [central part.) 



" Major Jonathan Hart was a native of this town. He was a gal- 
lant and distinguished officer, and one of the victims of the unfortunate 
defeat of Gen. St. Clair, Nov. 4th, 1791. His life and those of his 
command, were literally offered a sacrifice for the safety of the rest of 
the army. When all were in confusion and dismay, Major Hart was 
ordered to charge the enemy with the bayonet, with a view to facilitate 
a retreat, or rather a flight, to the shattered remains of the army. This 
charge was made with gallantry and spirit, under circumstances which 
language is too feeble to describe ; the desolation of the place; the con- 
fusion of the scene ; the whoops and yells of a savage foe, flushed with 
victory, and thirsting for blood ; the general consternation which pre- 
vailed, and the groans of the dying in every direction. But the intre- 
pid Major, and almost every man of his party, were killed in the des- 
perate enterprise, and their bones were left to bleach upon the borders 
of the waters of the Wabash, the dreary abode of wild beasts and ' sav- 
age men more wild than they.' " 

The following are copied from monuments in the burying ground, 
N. e. from the village of New Britain. 

In memory of the Rev. John Smai.t.ky, D. D. first pastor of the church in this Soci- 
ety. Born in Lebanon, Conn. June 4th, 1734, ordained April 1'Jth, 1758. Died June 
1st, 1820, JE. SG. Possessed of a strong and penetrating mind, improved by laborious 
study; he zealously devoted himself to the cause of religion, after many years of faith- 
ful services, he fell asleep in Jesus. To his talents and Piety, his writings have erect- 
ed a monument more durable than marble. 



Simeon Lincoln, by profession a Printer, died Oct. 5th, 1823, Aged 33. 

Why then their loss deplore that are not lost ? 

"Why wanders wretched thought their tombs around in infidel distress! 

What though short his date 1 

Virtue, not rolling Suns, the mind matures, 

That life is long that answers life's great end, 

The man of wisdom is the man of years. 



68 



BLOOM FIELD. 



BLOOM FIELD. 

Bloomfield was incorporated as a town in 1835. It was formerly 
the parish of Wintonbury in Windsor, and derived its name it is said, 
from the circumstance of the parish being formed from three towns, viz. 
Windsor, Farmingfon, and Simsbury ; the name Win-ton-bury being 
derived from a part of the name of each of these three towns. At the 
period of the first settlements on Connecticut river, the Windsor peo- 
ple sent out a number of men to explore the tract, since Wintonbury. 
These men returned, and reported that there was good land sufficient for 
the maintenance of three families. Bloomfield is bounded n. by Wind- 
sor, w. by Simsbury, s. by Hartford, and e. by Windsor. On the 
eastern bounds of the town there is a forest extending the whole length 
of the township ; it is about 1£ miles in width from east to west. The 
town averages about 4 miles in length and breadth, and contains about 
1,400 inhabitants. The face of the township is gently undulating ; the 
soil is good, and produces large crops of grass. This place is celebrated 
for the excellence of its fruit, a considerable quantity of which is annu- 
ally raised. The inhabitants are generally agriculturists, and remarka- 
bly free from the evils of litigation. 




South view of the Congregational Church in Bloomfield. 

The above is a representation of the Congregational church, and some 
other buildings in the immediate vicinity. This place, which is consid- 
ered the central part of the town, is about 6 miles from Hartford, and 
about 4£ miles in a direct line from Connecticut river. There are three 
houses of worship in the town : 1 Congregational, 1 Baptist and 1 Meth- 
odist. The Baptist church is situated about 40 or 50 rods eastward, 
and the Methodist church perhaps twice this distance westward of the 
Congregational church seen in the engraving. The Congregational 
church was built about the year 1800, the steeple or tower is, however, 
of modern construction : this building, which is the second house, stands 
on the site of the first meeting house. The burying ground is a few 
rods north. The first person buried in the yard was a young woman, the 
daughter of Isaac Skinner, one of the first settlers. 



BRISTOL, 



69 



BRISTOL. 



Bristol was formerly a parish in the town of Farmington, hy the 
name of New Cambridge. It was incorporated as an independent soci- 
ety in 1747, and as a town in 1785. It is bounded n. by Burlington, 
E. by Farmington, w. by Plymouth, and s. by Wolcott and South- 
ington. It is 5i miles in length from north to south, and 5 in breadth. 
The surface of the town is uneven and hilly, and the soil is a gravelly 
loam, and considerably fertile, producing all kinds of grain, grass, and 
fruit common to this region. Iron and copper ore have been discovered 
in some places in the limits of the township. This is a manufacturing 
town, and the inhabitants are distinguished for their enterprise and in- 
dustry. There are at present sixteen clock factories, in which nearly 
100,000 brass and wooden clocks have been manufactured in a single 
year. The manufacture of buttons is also carried on in this place. 




Western view of Bristol. 

The principal part of the village is built at the base of a circular hill, 
the buildings being mostly on a road which passes round the hill, in 
somewhat the shape of a semicircle. The most conspicuous building 
seen in the engraving, with a small square tower, is the Methodist 
church, erected in 1335. To the right of this in the distance, and on 
the summit of the hill, is seen the Congregational church. The Epis- 
copal church is situated on the northern descent of the hill : it is seen 
on the left, near the forest. The Baptist church is on the road passing 
by the Methodist church, a little distance to the south. This place is 
16J miles from Hartford, 2S from New Haven, 17 from Litchfield, and 
5 to the nearest point on the New Haven and Northampton Canal. 
The number of inhabitants in the town in 1810, was 1,423; the num- 
ber at present is estimated to be 2,500. 



70 BURLINGTON. CANTON. 

The Rev. Samuel Newell appears to have been the first minister 

settled in this place. The following is the inscription on his monument. 

" Here lyeth interred the body of ye Rev. Samuel Newell, A. M. late pastor of the 
Church of Christ in New Cambridge. A Gentleman of good Genius, solid judgment, 
sound in the Faith, A fervent and experimental Preacher, of unaffected Piety, kindest 
of Husbands, tenderest of Fathers, the best of Friends, and an ornament of the Minis- 
try. And having served his generation faithfully, bv the will of God, with serenity 
and calmness he fell on sleep Feb. ye 10, 1789, in "the 75th year of his age, and the 42d 
of his ministry. 

" Death ! Great Proprietor of all ! 'tis thine 
To tread out Empires, and to cpuench ye Stars." 



BURLINGTON. 



Burlington originally belonged to Farmington, and was formerly- 
known by the name of West Britain ; it was at the first called West 
Woods. Previous to its incorporation as a town in 1806, it was within 
the limits of Bristol. It is 17 miles west from Hartford, and about 36 
from New Haven, bounded n. by New Hartford and Canton, e. by 
Farmington and Avon, w. by Harwinton, and s. by Bristol. It is about 
six miles in length from north to south, and five in breadth. The 
township is diversified with hills and valleys ; the soil is a gravelly loam, 
on granite rocks, yielding grain, particularly rye and oats. The inhab- 
itants are principally engaged in agriculture. The population of the 
town in 1830 was 1,401. The Farmington river passes through the 
northeastern part of the town. There are 2 houses for public worship, 
1 for Congregationalists and 1 for Methodists. 

The eastern part of the town was first settled by a family of the name 
of Strong, who were from Farmington ; the northern part by a family of 
Pettibones from Simsbury ; the western part by persons by the name of 
Yale, Lewis and Wiard ; the south part by families by the name of Bunel 
and Smith from Cheshire. The first minister in the place was the Rev. 
Jonathan Miller from Torringford ; he preached in this place about forty 
years ; he died three or four years since. About thirty years since there 
was a society of Seventh day Baptists in this place; at that period they 
consisted of about twenty five families, who were mostly from Rhode 
Island or the eastern part of Connecticut ; they had a Mr. Davis for their 
first minister, and Mr. Stillman for their last. They erected a house of 
worship, which is still standing. The society is nearly extinct, there 
being it is believed but one member now living : this person is an aged 
woman. The Methodists built their meeting house about twenty five 
years since. It formerly stood about 2| miles s. w. of its present loca- 
tion ; it was removed to where it now stands in 1835. 



CANTON, 



Canton was first settled in 1740, and was incorporated as a town in 
1806. The town was formed from the west section of Simsbury and 
the eastern part of New Hartford. It is bounded n. by Granby, s. by 
Avon aud Burlington, w. by New Hartford and Barkhamsted, and e. by 



CANTON. 



71 



Simsbury. It is about eight miles in length from north to south, and nearly 
four miles in breadth. The population in 1830, including Collinsville, 
was 1,437. The township is hilly and mountainous, and the prevailing 
character of the soil is a coarse gravel, which is hard, dry and stony. 

The first settlement was made at the east village. This place was 
formerly called Suffrage, from the circumstance, it is said, of one of the 
first settlers experiencing an unusual share of suffering at the commence- 
ment of the settlement. 




Western view of Collinsville, in Canton. 

The above is a view taken on the western side of the Farmington 
river, and shows as much of the village as could be conveniently given 
in one view. The houses of the workmen are principally on the west 
side of the stream, a part of which are seen on the left of the engraving. 
These buildings, which are built precisely of the same form, are com- 
pactly set together on the side of a hill rising with considerable abrupt- 
ness from the water. These houses are painted white, and when con- 
trasted with the deep green foliage in the immediate vicinity, present a 
novel and beautiful appearance. Collinsville is 16 miles from Hartford 
and 16 from Litchfield, and contains upwards of 500 inhabitants, who 
are principally engaged in the manufacture of axes, of which they make 
from 700 to 800 daily, and of a superior kind. This village was estab- 
lished by Messrs. Collins &l Co. in 1826, who at that period set up an 
edge tool manufactory at this place, and at one time 300 men were 
employed in the business. 

The following inscription is copied from a monument in the old bu- 
rying ground in Canton. 

In* memory of Deac". Thomas Bidwell, who departed this life Dec. 3d, 1802, in the 
64th year of his age. Unshaken in the great truths of the Gospel, in this he was as 
an iron pillar, and steadfast as a wall of brass. He lived and died in the confidence of 
his brethren. But though dead, he yet speaketh to the Church, to his family and to 



all who knew him. 



Thou tomb shall safe retain thy sacred trust, 
Till life divine reanimate his dust. 



72 



EAST HARTFORD. 



EAST HARTFORD. 

This town is pleasantly situated on the east side of Connecticut rivef, 
bounded n. by East Windsor, e. by Manchester, s. by Glastonbury, 
and w. by Connecticut river, separating it from Hartford. It is nearly 
6 miles in length from north to south, and about 4 miles in breadth. 
Most of the inhabitants in this town live on one street, about three 
fourths of a mile from and parallel with the river. This street is thickly 
settled from Glastenbury to East Windsor. 




N. E. view of the Congregational Church, East Hartford. 

The above is a northeastern view of the Congregational Church in 
East Hartford street, erected in 1835. It is beautifully situated at the 
entrance of the principal avenue to Hartford city. The most striking 
feature in the appearance of East Hartford street, is the long row of 
large spreading elms situated in the center of the street ; these, with 
the shade and other trees on both sides, afford in summer a delightful 
prospect to the eye, which is rarely equalled. 

The meadows in this town, adjoining the Connecticut, contain an 
extensive range of some of the best land in the State. In the spring 
season these meadows are usually overflowed by the freshets of the 
river, which render them very productive. The causeway connected 
with the bridge over the Connecticut, extends about a mile in a straight 
line, across the meadows, to the main street in East Hartford, and forms 
a fine and prospective avenue to the city. Leaving these meadows, 
you rise rather a steep acclivity of fifteen or twenty feet, into a level 
plain country, extending across the entire length of the township, and 
nearly three miles to the eastward. The soil is fertile, and a large 
proportion of it is fitted for almost every kind of cultivation and pro- 
duct. An excellent mill-stream, called the Hockanum river, enters this 
town from the northeast, and winds its way through nearly the center 
of the town, and unites with the Connecticut about a mile below Hart- 



E A S T II A. K T FO R D. 7 J 

ford bridge. On this stream are many valuable mill scats, that give fa- 
cilities to manufacturing operations, which are here carried on to a very 
considerahle extent. East Hartford was for many years distinguished 
beyond any other town in the State, for the variety and amount of its 
manufactures. In 1775, a gunpowder mill was built here, under the 
especial patronage of the colony. It is believed to have been the first 
mill of the kind erected in the country. Iron works, consisting of an 
anchor shop, a forge and slitting mill, were built in this town in 178*2. 
Anchors, mill screws, nail rods, gunpowder, paper, snuff, glass, &ic. 
were amono- the manufactures carried on here in 1784, with spirit and 
success. The making of paper, at present, is the principal manufactur- 
ing business carried on within the limits of the town. There are five 
large paper mills, which arc situated in a village called Scotland, about 
2}j miles eastward of the Congregational church, at a place formerly 
known by the name of " Pitkin's falls." From one establishment in 
this village, the U. S. Congress is furnished with paper by contract. 

This town was formerly included in the limits of Hartford. It was 
incorporated as a distinct town in 1781. The fertility of the soil, af- 
fording an easy cultivation of Indian corn, and the multitude of fish 
with which the rivers in this vicinity were stored, rendered this place 
a favorite residence of the native Indians. 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of Hartford, Jan. I 1th, 1640, it was 
ordained, " that all the upland on the east side of the great river, from 
Podunk river to Pewterpot river, shall be divided to the three miles' 
end ; that is to say, half a mile of it to be measured and slaked, and 
each man's proportion to run up the country to the three miles' end." 
And on the same day a committee was appointed to order the highway 
in the meadow, on the east side of the great river. The original set- 
tlers generally located themselves on the rising ground back from the 
meadow, where several of their cellars are still visible. In 1677, a 
more rapid and extensive settlement of this town appears to have taken 
place. Several new highways were laid out in the course of that 
year. In 1694, an ecclesiastical society was constituted, and early in 
170-3, the Rev. Samuel Woodbridge, their first settled clergyman, was 
ordained. The church and people here were united during the life and 
ministry of Mr. Woodbridge, who labored with them forty three years. 
He died June 9th, 1746, aged 63. The Rev. Eliphalet Williams, D.D. 
his successor, was ordained March 30th, 1748. For more than fifty 
years he was a settled minister in this town. 

The Podunk tribe, which dwelt in this and the adjoining town of East 
Windsor, were a ferocious and warlike people. Tontonimo, their first 
sachem with whom the English had any acquaintance, commanded two 
hundred bowmen. 

When the council of ministers assembled in Hartford, in 1657, the 
famous Mr. Elliot, hearing of the Podunk Indians, desired that the tribe 
might be assembled, that he might have an opportunity of offering 
Christ to them for their Saviour. By the influence of some of the 
principal gentlemen, they were persuaded to come together at Hartford, 
and Mr. Elliot preached to them in their own language, and labored to 

10 



74 E A S T II AKTFORD. 

instruct them concerning their Creator and Redeemer. When he had 
finished his sermon, ami explained the matter to them, he desired an 
answer from them whether they would accept of Jesus Christ for their 
Saviour, as he had been offered to them ? But their chief men, with 
great scorn and resentment, utterly refused. They said the English 
had taken away their lands, and were now attempting to make thern 
servants.* 

" In the year 1656, aPodunk Indian, named Weaseapano, murdered 
a sachem, who lived near Mattaheseck, now Middletown. Seaquassin, 
the existing sachem of the tribe, complained of the outrage to the magis- 
tracy of Connecticut ; and said that the Podunk Indians entertained the 
murderer, and protected him from the merited punishment. Seaquassin 
at the same time engaged Uncas in his cause ; who also complained, 
that Toutonimo enticed away many of his men ; and protected an Indian 
who had murdered a Moheagan. Upon these complaints the magis- 
trates summoned the parties before them. Seaquassin and Uncas, after 
observing that the murderer was a mean fellow, and that the man mur- 
dered was a great sachem, insisted that ten men, friends of Weaseapano, 
should be delivered up, to be put to death, as a satisfaction for the crime. 
Tontonimo insisted that the satisfaction demanded was excessive ; par- 
ticularly as the murdered sachem had killed Weaseapano's uncle. The 
Governor endeavored to convince the complainants that the demand 
was excessive ; observing, that the English in cases of murder, punish- 
ed only the principal, and such as were accessory to the crime. 

" Tontonimo then proposed to make satisfaction by the payment of 
wampum ; but it was refused. They fell however in their demands to 
six men, instead often. This proposition was rejected by Tontonimo. 
The magistrates then urged him to deliver up the murderer. This he 
promised to do. But, while the subject was in agitation, he privately 
withdrew from the court, with the rest of the Podunk sachems; and 
retired to the fortress belonging to his nation. Both the magistrates 
and the complainants, were offended by this behavior of Tontonimo. 
However, the magistrates appointed a committee, to persuade the Indi- 
ans to continue at peace with each other. At their solicitation Uncas 
at length consented to accept the murderer, and promised to be satisfied, 
if he should be delivered up; but the Podunk Indians told the English 
that they could not comply with this condition, because the friends of 
Weaseapano were numerous and powerful, and would not agree to the 
proposal. The Governor then addressed them in form ; urging them to 
continue in peace, and endeavoring to persuade the complainants to ac- 
cept of wampum. This they again refused, and withdrew ; after it had 
been agreed on all hands, that the English should not take any part in 
the controversy ; and after the Indians had promised, that they would 
not injure either the persons or possessions of the English, on either 
side of the river. 

" Soon after, Uncas assembled an army for the purpose of avenging 
his wrongs. But being met near Hoccanum river, by an equal number 

* TrumbullV. History of Connecticut. 



EAST HARTFORD. 75 

of the Podunks, and considering the issue of a battle as doubtful, be pru- 
dently retired, after having sent a message to Tontonimo, in which he 
declared, that if the Podunk sachem persisted in withholding the mur- 
derer from justice, he would send to the Mohawks, to come and destroy- 
both him and his people. 

" Not long after, the crafty Moheagan accomplished his purpose in 
the following manner. He sent a trusty warrior, furnished with some 
Mohawk weapons, to Podunk ; directing him to set fire in the night to 
a house near the fort, and then to leave the weapons on the ground in 
the vicinity, and immediately return. The warrior executed his com- 
mission. When the Podunks came in the morning to examine the 
ruins, they found the weapons; and, knowing them to belong to the 
Mohawks, were so alarmed with the apprehension that Uncas was about 
to execute his threat, that they delivered up the murderer, and sued for 
peace."* 

The Hon. William Pitkin, the ancestor of the Pitkin family of this 
town, emigrated from the county of Middlesex, Eng. and settled here 
in 1659. He was by profession a lawyer, and also one of the principal 
planters of the town. In 1664, he received the appointment of king's 
attorney for the colony. He died in 1694, after having filled various 
and important offices, distinguished for his virtues and abilities. He 
had a sister who emigrated soon after him to this country, who it is said 
possessed uncommon vigor of mind and many fine accomplishments. 
She married Simon, the youngest son of Henry Wolcott, was mother of 
the first Governor Wolcott, and grandmother of Oliver Wolcott and 
Roger Griswold, governors of Connecticut, and also great grandmother 
of the late Hon. Oliver Wolcott, of Litchfield. There have been a 
number of distinguished individuals of the name of William Pitkin in 
this town, one of whom was governor of the State, who was distin- 
guished for his vigorous understanding and integrity ; he died in 1769, 
while holding the office of governor. His son, the Hon. William Pit- 
kin, was in 1758 appointed major of the Connecticut forces, raised for 
the expedition against Canada. He served through the campaign un- 
der General Abercrombie, and acquired the reputation of a faithful and 
gallant officer. He was a member of the Council during the Revolu- 
tionary war, and for the greater part of the war he served as a member 
of the Council of Safety. He died in 17S9. 



Connecticut Courant, Sept. 10///, 1777, No. 518. 
On the 17th nit. at East Hartford, sallied from the Lyon Tavern and its dependen- 
cies, a corps of female infantry, of twenty rank and file, with a flank guard of three 
chosen spirits of the male line; and marching westward about one mile in martial 
array and excellent order, saving stride and gabble. These attacked and carried with- 
out opposition from powder, law oi conscience, Mr. Pitkin's store, in which was lodged 
aquantity of sugar designed for the army, of which they plundered and bore away in 
triumph 218 lbs" A traveling gentleman tailing in with their rear, who they mistook 
for the owner of the spoils, was attacked and drove with great fury; but being well 
mounted, made his escape. The whole was completed in two hours, and without loss. 
of blood, except from a few accidental scratches of side arms underslung withoutscab- 
bards. 



* Dr. Dwight's Travels, Vol. % 



76 r. A S T W INDSOR, 

That so unexampled a spirit of heroism may not want due notice and encourage- 
mem, it is proposed that tins corps be augmented by voluntary enlistment to a battal- 
ion", foi the i a n mic: service in the not them cteparlment, to be in the uniform of rifle 
frocks, and the snug Seotcjt kilt, and allowed, besides perquisites and plunder, a gene- 
rous bounty mi scalps; and a line new siandapl with an elegant deviceofa lady invert, 
ed, and to be comrp.apdeS by the celebrated Maddamc dt la Melt Hubb (lot: Scratch. 



EAST WINDSOR. 

East Windsor was originally included within ilie ancient bounda- 
ries of Windsor. Fear of the Indians appears to have prevented any 
settlement, in this town on the east side of the Connecticut till 1680.* 
By this time the Indian power in New England was effectually broken, 
by the death of King Philip in 1676. Although the Windsor and 
River Indians professed themselves neuter in Philip's war, yet numbers 
of their young men stole away and never returned. In 1695, the set- 
tlers of East Windsor formed themselves into an ecclesiastical society, 
and Mr. Timothy Edwards, the father of the celebrated divine, was 
ordained their minister. Previous to this, the inhabitants for fifteen 
years passed the river in boats, in order to attend worship on the west 
side. In 1768, East Windsor was incorporated as a town, and con- 
tinued at that period four parishes, viz. 1st Society or East Windsor, 
'2d Society or Scantie, Ellington and Wapping. 

East Windsor is bounded n. by Enfield, e. by Ellington and Ver- 
non, s. by East Hartford and Manchester, and w. by Connecticut river. 
It is about 10 miles in length, and averages upwards of 5 in breadth. 
The face of the town is generally level. In the western part of the 
town there are extensive tracts of sandy loam, which are light, warm, 
and fertile ; in the eastern part a rich gravelly loam generally prevails. 
Upon the borders of Connecticut river there are natural meadows, 
which comprise more than 2,000 acres of the finest of land, uncom- 
monly beautiful and fertile, producing grass, Indian corn, potatoes, &cc. 
in great abundance. The eastern and northern parts of the town are 
best adapted for rye, of which it has been computed that 70,000 bush- 
els have been raised in one season. Of late years considerable quan- 
tities of tobacco have been raised and manufactured in the western part 
of the town. The principal street runs parallel with Connecticut river, 
on the border of the first elevation of ground above the meadows, gen- 
erally about a mile back from the river, and on this street, through the 
whole length of the town, is built an almost continuous village. The 
Second or North Society was made a parish in 1752; the Rev. Thomas 
Potwine was ordained their first pastor in 1751. Scantie river, a mill 
stream, passes through this part of the town, and gives this section the 
name of Scantie. The village of Wapping in the southeast part of the 
town, was allowed the privileges of a winter parish in 176*. Ware- 
house Point \<- a considerable village on the Connecticut river, near the 
northern boundary of the town, at the head of sloop navigation. For* 
merly the manufacture of rye gin was an important branch ol business 

* Dr. McClure's accoupt ol Wmd-."i. Vol. 5, Mass JJjst, Col}. 



EAST WINDSOR 



11 



in this place ; of late years, considerable attention lias been paid to the 
cultivation of tobacco. The place derived its name from a warehouse 
bein<<- built here by Mr. Pyncheon, of Springfield, about the time of the 
first settlement of that place. It is 13 miles from Hartford. There are 
now in the town 7 churches ; 3 Congregational, 2 Methodist, 1 Episco- 
palian and 1 Baptist. 




Theological Institute at East Windsor. 

The above is a southeastern view of the " Theological Institute of 
Connecticut," established in 1834. This building, constructed of brick, 
contains a chapel, reading room, recitation room, room for the library, 
and other rooms sufficient for the accommodation of fifty two students ; 
they are furnished with stoves and all necessary articles of furniture, 
except bed clothing. The library contains rising of 3,000 volumes, 
and is receiving accessions continually. There is a farm belonging to 
the Institution of about sixty acres, and a workshop furnished with tools, 
affording facilities for manual labor to such students as choose to avail 
themselves of the privilege. " No charge is made to the students for 
tuition, room rent, or the use of the library." 

" Candidates for admission to this seminary must produce satisfactory 
testimonials that they possess competent talents, and are members of 
some Christian church in good standing, and that they have graduated 
at some college, or have otherwise made literary acquisitions, which, as 
preparatory to theological studies, are substantially equivalent to a lib- 
eral education ; and they shall be examined with reference to their per- 
sonal piety, and their object in pursuing theological study. 

"The course of study occupies three years, and it is expected that 
in all ordinary cases, students will enter with the intention of comple- 
ting a full course. The different branches of study will be pursued si- 
multaneously, so far as practicable ; but Biblical Interpretation will be 
the most prominent branch for the first year; Systematic Theology, for 
the second ; and Sacred Rhetoric and Pastoral Theologv. for the third, 



78 EAST WINDSOR. 

Church History will occupy about an equal proportion of each year. 
There are two vacations in the year, of five weeks duration ; the first 
commencing on the first Thursday in September, the second on the 
second Thursday in April." 

The institution is eight miles from Hartford, and about two miles north 
of the first Congregational church ; a step-stone belonging to the house 
of the Rev. Timothy Edwards, the Hither of Jonathan Edwards, is in- 
serted in the northeast corner of the building. 

The Podunk tribe of Indians resided at or near the mouth of Podunk 
river or brook, a small stream entering the Connecticut river at the south- 
west corner of the town. A part of the same tribe, or some tribe that 
were in alliance with them, appear to have resided near the mouth of 
Scantic river. The following traditions respecting the Indians, in this 
town are preserved. A party of Mohawks visited the tribe who resided 
at the mouth of Scantic river : as one of the Mohawk women was cross- 
ing the river on a log she was pushed off into the stream and drowned; 
the Mohawks upon this withdrew, determined upon revenge. In the 
meanwhile the Scantic Indians sent a runner to the Podunk Indians for 
assistance ; after collecting their forces, a battle took place, in which the 
Mohawks were defeated and fled ; they remained in the vicinity, and 
whenever they found a straggler from either tribe, they inflicted summary 
vengeance. As one of the settlers by the name of Bissell was at work 
at hay in the meadow, a Scantic Indian came running towards him and 
implored his protection ; he directed him to lie down, Mr. Bissell then 
rolled a cock of hay upon him, and he was in this manner effectually 
concealed. This was no sooner done than two Mohawks came running 
furiously in pursuit ; they wished to know of Mr. Bissell if he had seen 
the object of their pursuit ; he pointed out a particular direction in which 
he gave them to understand he had seen him run, which they eagerly 
followed, and by this means the Scantic Indian finally escaped. 

The Podunks, who were a small tribe,* had two places of residence, 
one at the mouth of the Podunk river, during the summer; the other, 
where they resided during the winter, was a mile or a mile and a half 
east from this, over the high land ; the path between these two places 
still retains the name of " King's path ;" their burying ground, lately 
discovered, was about half way between. A young Indian and squaw 
of this tribe having been to gather whortleberries, it was so late before 
they had gathered a sufficient quantity, that they were afraid to cross 
the meadows after dark, on account of the Mohawks, and accordingly 
stayed at the house of Mr. Williams. In the morning early, the young 
Indian woman set out upon her return ; soon after, a report of a gun 
was heard by the inhabitants in the vicinity, who immediately turned 
out to see the cause. They found the young woman weltering in her 
blood, having been shot by two Mohawks. The Podunks were aroused ; 
they mustered sixteen or eighteen warriors, and went in pursuit. After 
being out several days, they came to a corn field and began plucking 



* The Podunk tribe, in Kiflg Philip's war, contained between two and three hun- 
dred men, 'who wenl nit'in that war and never relumed. — Mass. ffist. Coll. Vol. 10. 



EAST WINDSOR. 79 

the ears. A party of Mohawks, who it seems were lying in ambuscade, 
rose upon them, and killed the whole party, with the exception of two 
who made their escape. This severe blow had the effect of breaking 
up the Podunks as a distinct tribe ; they separated into two parties, one 
of which joined the Pequots towards New London. 

In the south part of the town, where Podunk river crosses the road 
to Hartford, was an Indian burying ground. A few years since, a num- 
ber of skeletons were discovered, by digging from one to four feet. 
These skeletons were found lying on one side, knees drawn up to the 
breast, arms folded, with their heads to the south. A covering of bark 
seems to have been laid over them, with some few remains of blankets; 
in one instance a small brass kettle and hatchet were found in good 
preservation ; the remains of a gun barrel and lock, a number of glass 
bottles, one of which was found nearly half rilled with some sort of 
liquid. These articles were probably obtained from the Dutch, either 
by present or by trade. There were also found a pair of shears, a 
pistol, leap pipes, strings of wampum, small brass rings, glass beads; a 
female skeleton with a brass comb: the hair was in a state of preserva- 
tion wherever it came in contact with the comb. After the Podunks 
had removed from these parts, in one instance they were known to 
have brought a dead child from towards Norwich and interred it in this 
burying place. 

At Bissell's ferry, near the mouth of Scantic river, is a well which 
is supposed to have been made before any English settlements were 
attempted in Connecticut. The lower part of the well is walled by 
stones hewn in a circular manner, and the manner in which they are 
laid together is believed to be entirely different from that in which any 
Englishmen would lay them — there remains no traditions respecting the 
time, or the persons by whom this well was constructed. 



In the expedition against Louisburg, in the island of Cape Breton, 
in 1745, Major General Roger Wolcott, of this town, (afterwards gov- 
ernor,) commanded the Connecticut troops on that occasion. After 
the capture of that place, many of the soldiers from this town, and 
other places on the river, removed with their families and settled in the 
towns of Windsor and Annapolis, in Nova Scotia. 



In the Revolutionary war, after the capture of Burgoyne, a conside- 
rable number of his men, British and Hessians, were quartered in this 
town. The Hessians were a fine looking body of men: many of them 
became so much attached to the country and its inhabitants, that their 
officers found it difficult to collect their men when they went off, and 
in fact some secreted themselves so closely that they could not be found. 
Gov. Franklin, the royal governor of New Jersey, and Gen. Prescott, 
who was surprised and taken by Col. Barton, of Rhode Island, were 
both quartered, while prisoners, at the house of Capt. Ebenezer Grant, 
which is now standing, a few rods south of the Theological Seminary. 



80 EAST WINDSOR. 

The following relation relative to the art of " fortune telling, (as it is 
generally termed,) was given to the compiler of this work some years 

since, by Mr. E R , an aged, respectable, and conscientious 

inhabitant of this town, a short time before his death. In giving rela- 
tions of this kind, the author merely states what was related to him by 
persons who would receive full credit on every other subject. 

It ought to be mentioned, that Mr. R. was a person of sound sense, 
and not at all superstitious. Mr. R. stated, that when a young man, he 
was very fond of company and jollity. He became acquainted with a 
man who it was believed possessed the art of fortune telling. This 
man agreed to initiate Mr. R. into the mystery of the art ; this was 
done by a particular method of handling a pack of playing cards. Mr. 
R. however, had but little faith in the efficacy of the process, but for 
the sake of amusing himself and his friends, set himself up as a kind of 
conjuror. After practicing a short time, he became so celebrated that 
persons came from a considerable distance " to have their fortunes 
told." Mr. R. said he could describe a person that he never saw, as 
completely as he could if the person stood before him, as to the size, 
color of the hair or eyes, or any thing about the person, with a minute- 
ness and accuracy which astonished those that heard him. When asked 
how he attained such knowledge, he replied that while he was shuffling 
over his cards, it would be suggested to his mind what to say, or as he 
expressed it, " the words came to him," and he spoke them. He said, 
however, he did not know that he described things accurately, till he 
was so informed by those who applied to him. Mr. R. at length be- 
came so well satisfied in his own mind that he was assisted by some 
power superior to his own in these transactions, that he broke off, and 
refused to make any further attempts of this nature. 



Jonathan Edwards, who is considered the greatest of modern divines, 
was a native of this town. He was born Oct. 5lh, 1703, about one 
mile north of the first Congregational church, and a few rods north of a 
small stream crossing the road, called Stoughton's brook. His father's 
house (the Rev. Timothy Edwards) stood on the east side of the road, 
and resembled very much the appearance of Mr. Hooker's, (page 43.) 

" He was educated at Yale College, and took the degree of bachelor of arts in 1720, 
before he was seventeen years of age. His uncommon genius discovered itself early, 
and while he was yetaboy he read Locke on the human understanding with a keen 
relish. Though he took' much pleasure in examining the kingdom of nature, yet 
moral and theological researches yielded him the highest satisfaction. He lived at 
college aeat two years after taking his first degree, preparing himself for the office of 
a minister of the gospel. In 17"2J he went to New York, at the requesl of a small 
society of English Presbyterians, and preached a number of months. In lrJl he was 
appointed a tutqr in Yale College, and he continued in that office, till he was invited 
in L726 to preach in Northampton, Massachusetts. Here he was ordained as colleague 
with his grandfather, the Rev. AT i Stoddard. February 15, 17-J7. In 1735 his benevo- 
lent labors .were attended with uncommon success-, a general impression was made 
upon the minds of his people by the truths which he proclaimed ; and the church was 
much enlarged. He continued in this place more than twenty three years, till he was 
dismissed in 17">0." 

"In August, L751, he succeeded the Rev. Mr, Serjeant as missionary tolheHousa- 
tonnoc Indians al Stockbridge, in Berkshire county, Massachusetts. Here he con- 
tinued six years, preaching to the Indians and the white people; and as he found much 
leisure, lie prosecuted his theological and metaphysical studies, and produced works 



EAST WINDSOR. 



81 



which rendered his name famous throughout Europe. In January, 1758, he reluc- 
tantly accepted the office of president of the college in New Jersey, as successor of his 
son-in-law, the Rev. Mr. Burr; but he had not entered fully upon the duties of this 
station, before the prevalence of the small pox induced him lo be inoculated, and this 
disease was the cause of his death, March 22, 1758, in the fifty filth year of his age."* 
"The following is a catalogue of his publications: a sermon preached at Boston on 
1 Cor. i. 29, 30, 1731 ; a sermon preached at Northampton on Matt xvi. 17, 1734; a 
narrative of the work of God in the conversion of many hundreds of souls in North- 
ampton, 1736; live discourses on justification by faith alone, pressing into the kingdom 
of God, Ruth's resolution, the justice of God in ihe damnation of sinners, and the 
excellency of Jesus Christ, 1738; sinners in the hands of an angry God, a sermon 
preached at Enfield, 1741; a sermon on the distinguishing marks of a work of the 
Spirit of God, 1741; thoughts on the revival of religion, 174-2; a sermon at the ordi- 
nation of the reverend Robert Abercrombie, 1741 ; at the instalment of the reverend 
Samuel Buell, 174IJ; a treatise on religious affections, 1746; an attempt to promote 
agreement in prayer for the revival of religion, 1746; life of the reverend David 
Brainerd, 174'.); an inquiry into the qualifications for full communion in the church, 
1741); a reply to the reverend Solomon Williams' answer to the inquiry, 1752; a ser- 
mon preached at Newark, 1752; an inquiry into the modern prevailing notions of that 
freedom of will which is supposed to be essential to moral agency, &c, 1754; the great 
doctrine of original sin defended, 1758. Since his death the iollowing works have 
been published from his manuscripts ; eighteen sermons, with his life, written by the 
reverend Dr. Hopkins, 1765; the history of redemption, 1774; on the nature of true 
virtue, 1788; God's last end in the creation ; thirty three sermons; twenty sermons, 
1789; miscellaneous observations. 1793; miscellaneous remarks, 1796." 




Fitch's Steamboat. 

John Fitch was a native of tills town. To this individual belongs 
the honor of having constructed the first steamboat in this country. 
Although this honor has so generally been ascribed to Robert Fulton, 
yet it is a well known fact, that tiventy years before the great experi- 
ment of Fulton and Livingston on the Hudson, a steamboat was con- 
structed and put in operation in Philadelphia, under the sole direction 
of a then obscure and still almost unknown individual. This person 
was John Fitch. He was born in the south part of East Windsor, 
near the East Hartford line, on what is now called the old road. He 
was apprenticed as a watch and clock maker, to Mr. Cheney, who car- 
ried on the business in the eastern part of East Hartford, now Man- 
chester. He married in early life and had two children ; such how- 
ever was the temper and unhappy disposition of his wife, that he left 
her, and went to New Brunswick, (N. J.) where he set up the busi- 
ness of clock making, engraving, and repairing muskets, before the 



* Allen's Biographical Dictionary. 
11 



82 EAST WINDSOR. 

Revolution. When New Jersey was overrun by the British troops, 
Mr. Fitch removed into the interior of Pennsylvania, where he em- 
ployed himself in repairing arms for the Continental army. 

In the year 17S5, Mr. Fitch conceived the project of propelling a 
vessel by the force of condensed vapor. " When the idea occurred to 
him, as he himself tells us, he did not know there was such a thing as 
a steam engine in existence." In 1783 he obtained a patent for the 
application of steam to navigation. By unwearied exertion he succeed- 
ed in interesting about twenty persons in his plan, and inducing them to 
take shares of 50 dollars each. A boat was built in 17S7. A mile 
was measured oft' in Front or Water street, and the boat was found to 
go at the rate of eight miles an hour. It afterwards went eighty miles 
in a day. The Governor and Council of Pennsylvania were so much 
gratified with the experiment, that they presented them with a superb 
silk flag. About this time the company sent Mr. Fitch to France, at 
at the request of Mr. Vail, our Consul at L'Orient, who was one of the 
company, and wished to introduce the invention into France. Being in 
the midst of revolutions in that country, and as no men could be ob- 
tained for the purpose of building boats, Mr. Fitch returned. " Mr. 
Vail afterwards subjected to the examination of Mr. Fulton, when m 
France, the papers and designs of the steamboat appertaining to the 
company." In 1790, he made an alteration in his boat and she per- 
formed tolerably well, but still it required further alterations. Mr. 
Fitch however was not able to obtain the necessary means in order to 
perfect his invention. 

The conviction of Fitch respecting the power of steam continued 
firm. In June, 1792, he addressed a letter to Mr. Rittenhouse, one of 
the share-holders ; speaking of steam power, he said : " This, sir, will 
be the mode of crossing the Atlantic in time, whether I shall bring it 

to perfection or not He complains of his poverty, and to 

raise funds, he urges Mr. Rittenhouse to buy his land in Kentucky, that 
he might have the honor of enabling him to complete the great under- 
taking." Upon one occasion he called upon a smith who had worked 
upon his boat, and after dwelling for some time upon bis favorite topic, 
concluded with these words : " Well gentlemen, although I shall not 
live to see the time, you will, when steamboats will be preferred to all 
other means of conveyance, and especially for passengers, and they 
will be particularly useful in the navigation of the river Mississippi." 
He retired, when a person present observed, in a tone of deep sympa- 
thy, tl Poor fellow, what a pity it is he is crazy." " The distress of 
mind and mortification he suffered from the failure of his protracted ex- 
ertions and his poverty were too much for him, and to drown his re- 
flections, he had recourse to the common but deceptive remedy, strong 
drink, in which he indulged to excess, and retiring to Pittsburg, he 
ended his days by plunging into the Alleghany."* He had filled sev- 
eral small MS. books with personal and general narrative, more or less 
connected with his great scheme, and which he bequeathed to the Phil- 
adelphia Library, with the proviso that they were to remain closed for 

* American Ed. Edinburgh Encyclopedia. 



ENFIELD. 83 

thirty years. The books were opened in due time, and were found to 
contain a minute account of his perplexities and disappointments. " Of 
the boldness of his conceptions," (says a writer in the Mechanics' Mag- 
azine Jan. 1836,) " and the perseverance with which he followed it up, 
there can be but one opinion ; and had fortune attended his efforts, 
and his means been equal to the accomplishment of his designs, there 
can be no doubt that he would now hold undisputed the honor of hav- 
ing given to the country this most noble and useful invention." The 
accompanying engraving conveys a correct idea of Mr. Fitch's boat as 
originally planned ; but in the one actually constructed, he so far modi- 
fied this plan as to place the paddles of the boat astern. 

Oliver IVolcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was the 
son of Gov. Roger Wolcott, who resided in this town. He was born Nov. 
26, 1726, and died at Litchfield in 1797. (See account of Litchfield.) 

Erastus Wolcott, brother of the preceding, was born about; the year 
1723. Although a plain, laboring farmer, with inconsiderable advanta- 
ges as to education, he by the force of his native talents, acquired great 
influence in public affairs. He was appointed a brigadier general in 
1777, and went on an expedition to Peekskill. He was a member of 
Congress and Judge of the Supreme Court. He died in 1793. 

The following inscription is from a monument in the ancient burying 

ground, upwards of a mile north of the present Congregational church ; 

the first meeting house erected in East Windsor, was on the north side 

of this yard. 

In memory of the Revd. Mr. Timothy Edwards, Pastor of the 2d Society of Wind- 
sor, (whose singular Gifts and Piety rendered him an excellent, and in the judgment 
of Charity, a successful minister of the Gospel) who died January ye 27, A. D. 175S, 
in the 89th year of his age, and Clth of his ministry — And his remains buryed under 
;this stone. 

AN EPITAPH. 

The man of God, who nobly pled, 
His master's cause alas ! is dead 
His voice no more ! — but awful urn, 
Still speak to men their great concern, 
His praise on souls will long outlast: 
When Grace completes the work began, 
Bright saints will shine his living crown. 



ENFIELD. 



This town was settled by emigrants from Salem, Mass. in 1681, 
being at that time a part of the town of Springfield, in that state. For 
about seventy years after the settlement of the town, it was subject to 
the jurisdiction of the colony of Massachusetts, not being annexed to 
Connecticut until 1752. The town is bounded n. by Longmeadovv 
in Massachusetts, e. by Somers, s. by East Windsor, and w. by Con- 
necticut river, which separates it from Suffield. It is about six miles in 
length from north to south, and five and a half in breadth. The 
township is generally of a level surface, and the soil mostly of a light 
sandy loam, and generally fertile. The first bridge ever built across 
the Connecticut in this state, was erected in 1808, connecting this' 



84 



ENFIELD. 



town with Suffield. It was supported by six stone piers, resting upon 
the rocky bed of the river ; being 1000 feet in length and 30 in width. 
The whole expense of its construction did not exceed $26,000. In 
1832 a new bridge was built here, 70 feet in breadth, upon Mr. Town's 
plan, at an expense of about $15,000. A large proportion of the 
dwelling houses in this town are situated upon one street, passing through 
the town, and running parallel with the river. The plough-making 
business is prosecuted to a considerable extent in this place. 




Thompsonville, in Enfield. 

This village in Enfield, on the bank of Connecticut river, was com- 
menced about seven years since, for the purpose of manufacturing carpet- 
ing. It is 18 miles north of Hartford, 8 miles south of Springfield, 
Mass. and upwards of a mile from Enfield bridge. The village con- 
tains about 800 inhabitants, of whom about 300 grown persons are em- 
ployed in the factories. One hundred and twenty looms are employed, 
and eight hundred yards of carpeting manufactured daily. The en- 
graving shows t lie greater part of the principal street in the village, as 
you come up from the river and pass to the east. 

The engraving on the next page shows a south view of the Sha- 
ker house of worship, on the right of the print ; the other buildings 
represented are those connected with the central, or as they are gener- 
ally called, " The Church family." This family, consisting of about 
one hundred persons, occupy the central part of the Shaker settlement. 
The whole number of Shakers in this place is upwards of two hundred, 
who are divided into six families. The village is about five miles n.e. 
of the Congregational church in Enfield. The religious tenets of the 
Shakers must of course necessarily affect the order of their societies, 
by producing an entire separation of the men from the women, and in 
this particular exhibit the only species of Protestant monkery in this 
country. Their buildings are remarkably neat and convenient, and 



ENFIELD. 



8S 



every thing appears a model of neatness and economy. They are 
simple and plain in their manners ; soher and industrious. The socie- 
ty in this place was established in 1780. There are perhaps about 
fifty buildings in the settlement, consisting of dwelling houses, work- 
shops, storehouses, &c. They possess upwards of one thousand acres 
of a fine tract of land, in the northeast section of the town, which is 
under the highest degree of cultivation. Their improvements and at- 
tention to horticulture and gardening have rendered them the subjects of 
much commendation, and their " garden seeds" are justly celebrated. 
They also carry on various kinds of mechanical business, and their 
wares are much esteemed, being good and free from deception. They 
are, for their number, a wealthy and flourishing community. 




Shaker houses, Enfield. 



" About the year 1706, a few of those persons who were known by 
the appellation of French prophets, went over to England and preached 
with such zeal and effect, that in a short time they became numerous. 
They however formed no regular societies, nor established any churches, 
consequently they were not known as a distinct and visible sect." 

In the year 1747, a number of persons endowed with the same spirit 
united themselves into a small society, in the neighborhood of Man- 
chester, England, under the ministry of James and Jane Wardley. This 
society practiced no forms of worship, and adopted no creeds as rules 
of faith, but gave themselves to be guided, as they believed, entirely 
by the Spirit of God. " Sometimes, after sitting awhile in silent medi- 
tation, they were seized with a mighty trembling, with violent agitations 
of the body, running and walking on the floor, with singing, shouting, 
and leaping for joy. From these exercises of the body they received 
the appellation of Shakers, which has been their common name of dis- 
tinction ever since. Although this name was originally given by their 
enemies in derision, yet they consider it as descriptive of their doctrine 
and practice, and also in conformity with several passages of the scrip- 
tures, which speak of a shaking of the ' heavens and the earth.' 



80 ENFIELD. 

" This small society continued to increase in number till about the 
year 1770, when by a special manifestation of divine light, the present 
testimony of salvation and eternal life was fully revealed to Ann Lee, 
and by her to the society." 

" According to the account given by her biographer, she passed 
through great trial and distress of mind for the space of nine years, du- 
ring which period the most astonishing visions and divine manifestations 
were presented to her view, in so clear and striking a manner that the 
whole spiritual world seemed displayed before her, — she had a full and 
clear view of the mystery of iniquity, of the root and foundation of hu- 
man depravity, and of the very first act of transgression committed by 
the first man and woman in the garden of Eden. Here she saw whence 
and wherein all mankind were lost from God, and clearly realized the 
only possible way of recovery. This revelation she received in the 
summer of 1770, while in prison, where she was confined on account of 
her religious principles, under the pretence that she had profaned the 
Sabbath. From this time, the light and power of God, revealed in 
Ann, and through her administered to those who received her testimony, 
had such sensible effect in giving them power over all sin, and filling 
them with visions and revelations and other gifts of God, that she was 
readily acknowledged as their spiritual mother in Christ, from which 
she received the title of Mother Ann." 

This woman, with a few of her followers, emigrated to this country 
in 1774. In September, 1776, they took up their residence in the 
woods of Watervhet, where they made a settlement, near Nisqueuna, 
about seven miles northwest from Albany. She died at this place in 
1784. The following is from a book entitled " Christ's Second Appear- 
ing ;" it is extracted from a poem, called " A memorial to mother Ann,'' 
and will serve to show in what light she is viewed by her followers'. 

Let names, and seels and parties, no longer be rever'd, 
Since in the name of mother, salvation hath appeared: 
Appointed by kind Heaven the Saviour to reveal, 
Her doctrine is confirmed with an eternal seal. 

At Manchester in England, this burning truth began, 
When Christ made his appearance in blessed Mother Ann; 
A few at first received it and did their lust forsake, 
And soon their testimony brought on a mighty shake. 

For Mother's safe protection, good angels flew before, 
Towards the land of promise, Columbia's happy shore; 
Hail thou victorious Gospel, and that auspicious day, 
When Mother safely landed in North America. 

About four years she labored with the attentive throng, 
While all their sins they open'd and righted ev'ry wrong. 
At length she closed her labors and vanish'd out of sight, 
And left her faithful children increasing in the light. 

How much they are mistaken who think that Mother's dead, 
When through her ministrations so many souls are fed ! 
In union with the Father, she is the second Eve, 
Dispensing full salvation to all who do believe. 

The leading characteristic in the worship of this people, is their dan- 
cing. This they describe as the involuntary result of the exhilarating 



ENFIELD, 



87 



and overpowering delight received through the outpouring of divine 
grace upon their hearts. The evolutions and changes in the dance, by 
constant practice, become as precisely correct as the maneuvers of a 
regiment of experienced soldiers ; it becomes in fact a mechanical move- 
ment. No one ever makes a mistake, or throws the rank in disorder 
from inattention or inexperience ; but every thing is conducted in the 
most exact order, as if every step and movement of the body was di- 
rected by a gage and rule. Dances are sometimes held in private 
houses, when variations are frequently introduced. On some occasions 
it is said their movements are so rapid, that the eye can scarce follow 
or keep pace with their swift motions. 




Shakers dancing. 

"The principal doctrines of the Shakers are, — a belief in the second 
appearance of Christ, in the person of the holy mother. They admit 
of but two persons in the Godhead, God the Father, and God the Moth- 
er, which they say is according to the order of nature, being male and 
female. To redeem the depraved race of man, they believe that it be- 
came necessary for God to take upon him the real character of human 
nature as it is, male and female, and that his first appearance was in the 
person of man, and the second in the person of woman, whereby the 
work of redemption was finished and completed. The confusion and 
wickedness that prevailed in the Catholic Church, during the long pe- 
riod which preceded and followed the reformation, they ascribe to the 
work of redemption not being completed in Christ's first appearance, it 
being the necessary period that must intervene between the making and 
fulfillment of the promise of Christ, that he would establish his law of 
righteousness on earth. They believe in perfect holiness, and insist that 
salvation from sin here is necessary to salvation from misery hereafter. 
They regard the Bible as a testimony of Christ's first appearance, but 
deny that it contains the word of God, or of life, as they consider a be- 



88 FARMINGTON. 

lief in the second appearance of Christ, or in the spiritual character and 

mission of the holy mother, as indispensable to salvation." 

The following inscriptions are from monuments in the burying ground, 

a little north of the Congregational church. 

In memory of thai pious, excellent and amiable man, the Rev r . Mr. Peter Raymonds, 
who, after serving Christ in the work of the gospel ministry with great fidelity in this 
town more than forty two years, fell asleep in May 11th, 17G8, Anno. JE- 08. 

Raynolds, thy name, thy memory shall survive, 

The fading honors marble statues give, 

When this frail stone's decay'd, forgot this verse, 

Posterity thy virtues shall rehearse; 

Thy conjugal, paternal, social love, 

Religious zeal with charity imoove, 

Shall speak the generous, gentle temper'd, kind, 

Blest with much science in an humble mind. 

Thy purity of morals, sacred fear 

Of God, and fervent love of man declare; 

Tell from thine hallow'd tongue how wisdom flow'd, 

How with inspir'd discourse, each bosom glow'd, 

How thy sweet converse gladden 'd every heart, 

And sentiment instructive did impart. 

Bless God that here thy bright example's giv'n 

A Guide to lead mankind to thee in Heav'n. 

Sacred to the memory of Dea. Joseph Kingsbury, who died June 8th, 1S0G, aged 85 
and 2 months. 

Here lies a man, no one priz'd Religion more, 
The same our Fathers brought from Europe's shore, 
A strict supporter of the good old ways 
Of Puritans, in their most early days. 



FARMINGTON 



The first settlers of Farmington were from Hartford, being emigrants 
from Boston, Newtown and lioxbury. in Massachusetts. They began 
the settlement in 1640, being probably attracted at this early period by 
the fine natural meadows upon the Tunxis or Farmington river. The 
town was incorporated in 1G45. The land was purchased of the Tunxis 
tribe of Indians, which was a numerous and warlike tribe, by eighty four 
proprietors, and divided by them and their heirs according to their res- 
pective interests. The township at the time of its incorporation was 
about fifteen miles square.* Since this period five new towns have 
been formed from it, viz. Southington, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington and 
Avon. The present length of Farmington is 7| miles from north to 
south, and averages upwards of four in breadth. The town is situated 
principally between two mountainous ridges which stretch from n. n. e. 
to s. s. w. indented by vallies ; the mean distance between the moun- 
tains is about four miles. The east mountain, on the base of which 
the village is built, presents a mural front to the west, and has two con- 
venient passes through it ; the road to Hartford passing through the 
north, and the road to Middletown through the south pass, distant from 
each other about four miles. The Farmington river, about 45 yards 



* Pease and Niles's Gazetteer. 



V X R M1NGT0N 



89 



wide, enters through the west mountain from the northwest, and runs 
southeast to the central part of the town, where meeting the easi moun- 
tain, it turns an acute angle and runs northward through the town, par- 
allel with the mountain. On the east side of the east mountain, oppo- 
site a peak called Rattlesnake hill, rises the Qu'mnipiac or North Haven 
river. The great flat or natural meadow, from the river westward, from 
li to 2 miles broad, is alluvial, a rich loam and sand, and is one of the 
most fertile tracts in the State. 




N. JV. view of Farmington, from Round Hit/. 

The above is a view of the central part of the village, showing the 
Congregational and Methodist churches. The main street, on which 
they are built, extends about two miles from north to south, on an ele- 
vated plain from 50 to 75 feet above the level of the river, the course of 
which is seen by the row of trees standing below the level of the houses. 
The New Haven and Northampton canal passes between the river and 
the houses, its course being elevated above the level of the river. 
There are about one hundred handsome dwelling houses within the 
limits of something more than a mile, some of which are elegant edifices. 
The Academy in the village, and the Methodist church, (recently 
erected,) both stand near the Congregational church. — The above view 
was taken from Round Hill, a singular elevation in the meadows, about 
half a mile distant from the main street. This hill is a natural curios- 
ity; it covers about 12 acres; it rises abruptly to the height of about 
60 feet, and is nearly circular in its form. It was once probably an 
island in the center of a lake, which covered the whole of the present 
meadow.* At the first settlement of the town, Round Hill was fixed 

* These meadows are row occasionally overflowed. During the freshet, Feb. 14th, 
1807, a cry of distress was heard by some persons on the bank of the river. Pomeroy 
Strong and George Treadwell, went about five o'clock P. M. in a canoe to relieve the 
sufferers. They proceeded to Round Hill, where they heard the cries of a man named 
Bebe, to the northwest, where they found a span of horses and part of a wagon, and a 

12 



90 F A It M I N G T O N . 

on as a central point of departure in all measurements in laying out the 
divisions of land. 

The town is bounded N. by Avon, e. by Hartford and Berlin, w. by 
Bristol and Burlington, and s. by Southington. The central part is 10 
miles west from Hartford. " The number of inhabitants is 2000, and 
has not varied much within the last thirty years." 

The first minister in this place w-as Roger Newton, settled in 1647-8, 
who officiated nine years, and then removed to Milford. The second 
was Samuel Hooker, who was ordained in 1658, and died in 1697. 
Samuel Whitman was ordained the next minister, in 1706. He offi- 
ciated 45 years, and died in 1751. The next year Timothy Pitkin, 
from East Hartford, was ordained; he officiated till 1785, and was then 
dismissed at his own request. He was succeeded by Allen Olcott, in 
1787, who in 1795 was succeeded by Joseph Washburn. 

This town has at present a school fund, besides what is received from 
the State, amounting to nearly $10,000, the annual interest of which 
is applied to the payment of teachers. In 1695-6 the town voted a 
certain sum for the support of a teacher for half the year, and in the di- 
rections to the committee for procuring one, a clause was added, " that 
he should be so gifted as to be able occasionally to step into the pulpit." 

"The native Indians must have been very numerous, in and about 
the town, when the first settlers arrived. The hunting grounds and 
fishing places, were peculiarly attractive. Their burying grounds were 
on two sandy hills, one on the west side of the great meadow, and one 
on the east, and near the center of the present village. In excavating 
the canal, many of their bones were discovered, and some domestic 
articles, as cups, he. In 1691 a committee was chosen by the town 
to designate houses to be fortified against them. It appears that seven 
such houses were used for that purpose. The doors were made of 
double plank, united by nails driven closely together, so as to prevent 
their being cut through with hatchets. In 1763 the number of Indians 
was about 100, a considerable number having previously removed in a 
body to Stockbridge, Mass., and another division of them have since 
removed to the same place." 

man by the name of Atwater, in a bunch of willows, in the middle of a current, about 
two rods from the shore ; with a good deal of difficulty they got Atwater into the ca- 
noe. As they were passing a tree, Atwater in a fright seized one of the branches ; in 
doing this he overset the boat. He succeeded in climbing the tree, while the others 
swain to the hill, where they called for help. About !> o'clock, Dr. Eli Todd, William 
Hill and Joel Warner manned a canoe, and alternately drawing and navigating it, 
reached the hill. After a number of attempts to relieve Atwater, a bridge of ice was 
formed from the tree to the shore, on which he was enabled to pass. Todd, Hill and 
Warner sailed in the course of the road northwest, in search ofBebe; they found the 
currents so rapid that they were obliged to return without effectingtheir object, though 
they came within speaking distance, and exhorted him to he silent through the ni 
except when they should call to him ; his cries before had been distinctly heard through 
the town for nearly three miles in length : he remained on a cake of ice about two n ids 
in length, through the night. 

At the fust dawn of day the people assembled; a flat bottomed boat was procured, 
and manned by Erastus Gay, Timothy Root, jr. Timothy « lowles, Sidney Wadsworth 
and Henry Woodruff, who relieved rJebe from his perilous situation, and brought the 
others on shore. 



GLASTENBURY. 91 



GLASTENBURY. 

Glastenbury was incorporated as a town in 1690 ; it was previously 
included within the limits of Wethersfield. It is bounded n. by East 
Hartford and Manchester, e. by Hebron and Bolton, s. by Chatham 
and Marlborough, and w. by Connecticut river and Wethersfield.* Its 
length from east to west averages about nine miles, being ahout six in 
breadth. There are some line meadows upon the borders of the Con- 
necticut, back of which, upon the rise of land, the soil is a sandy loam, 
generally fertile and productive. In Eastbury, the cast society in the 
town, the lands to a considerable extent are rough and stony. There 
are five houses of worship, 2 Congregational, 2 Methodist and 1 Epis- 
copal. The population in 1S10 was 2,776 ; in 1830, it was 2,980. 

Glastenbury was originally purchased by the proprietors from the In- 
dians. The deed from the chief, granted a certain number of rods in 
width north and south, " butting on the Great River, and running three 
miles into the wilderness." These lots have many of them presented 
the same general features to this day, although subdivided among de- 
scendants and purchasers, until some of them are only eight rods wide, 
though three miles long. The principal proprietors and first settlers 
were of the names of Welles, Wyllis, Hale, Kimberly, Hollister, Smith 
and Talcott. Thaddeus Welles, Esq. now resides upon the land which 
his ancestor, Thomas Welles, purchased of Sowheag, the great sachem 
at Middletown. These lands have descended from father to son, and 
have never been out of the possession of the family for almost two hun- 
dred years. Samuel Welles, the celebrated banker of Paris, and the 
late Gen. Arnold Welles, son-in-law of Gen. Warren, who fell on Bun- 
ker Hill, were of the same family, and very recently owned another 
tract purchased by the same ancestor. 

About the year 1690, the Legislature gave permission to all the in- 
habitants of that part of Wethersfield, lying east of Connecticut river, 
to associate together and be invested with town privileges, " so soon as 
they could procure and settle a good orthodox minister." The Rev. 
Timothy Stephens was ordained their first minister in October, 1693. 
Mr. Stephens appears to have died in 1725, at the age of 60. — An 
old house is now standing in the town, upwards of half a mile north of 
the Congregational church, called the " Talcott house," and is believed 
to be one of the oldest in the State. It was formerly stockaded, and it 
is said to have been once attacked by the Indians — marks of the as- 
sault are stated to be still seen. This house belongs to Col. Talcott, 
of the U. S. Army, superintendent of the U. S. Arsenal at Watervliet, 
N. Y., and has been in possession of the family about one hundred and 
fifty years. 



* A small tract within the bounds of < Hastenbury lies on the west side of < Jonnecti- 
eut river; the cause of this will be explained in the account of Wethersfield. 



92 



GLASTENBURY, 




Cotton Factory village, Glastenbury. 

The above is a western view of the village connected with the Hart- 
ford Manufacturing Co. This site is admirably situated for manufactur- 
ing purposes. Roaring Brook here passes through a very narrow de- 
file: the first dam above the factories has a fall of 50 feet, and the low- 
er dam 24 feet ; taken together these are believed to be the highest falls 
in New England used for manufacturing purposes. This establishment 
has 5,200 spindles and 135 looms in operation; 130 girls and 40 men 
and boys are employed. The village is situated about half a mile 
eastward of the main road to Chatham, 8£ miles from Hartford, about 
1J miles from Connecticut river, and 8 miles from Chatham quarry. 
There was formerly a powder mill in this place, one of the first ever 
built in this country : this was blown up in 1777 and five persons killed. 
The first appearance of ibis village strikes the traveler with an agreea- 
ble surprise : considering the general face of the land in this section of 
the town, he is not prepared to find in such a short distance from the 
main road, such a romantic and beautiful specimen of interesting scene- 
ry. — From some of the eastern hills in this town, are some of the most 
delightful prospects to be seen in the State. The view embraces the 
whole valley of the Connecticut — from where it enters the highlands in 
South Glastenbury to Mount Tom in Massachusetts, including Hartford 
and all the intervening towns. 

" In the eastern part of the town, there is a pond of about a mile in 
circumference, called ' Diamond pond,' from the circumstance of there 
bein« small pebbles or stones around its margin, having a peculiar bril- 
liancy. Near the center of the town, there is a mineral spring, which 
though it has acquired no celebrity abroad, has been thought by men 
of science who have examined it, to possess valuable medicinal quali- 
ties ; and for more than one hundred years has been known by the 
name of the ' Pool at JXeipseic' 



GRANBY. 93 

There were several seats of the Indians in Glastenbury, and this tract 
was considered fine hunting and fishing ground. They were all tribu- 
tary to Sowheag, who was tributary to the Pequots, or in alliance with 
them, and they mustered their warriors in aid of the quarrels of that 
powerful tribe. The north part of Glastenbury was called the plains 
of Hanahbukc ; the south part, Naog ; and on the line of Chatham 
and Glastenbury were the meadows and hills of Wongung ; in the 
southeastern part is the valley of Wasuc. Near the center of the town 
are the high hills and the celebrated pool at Neipseic ; still farther east 
and to the northeast are the higher peaks of Houksctt and Minachaug. 

The following inscriptions are from monuments in the ancient bury- 
ing ground. 

Here lieth interred the body of Thomas Kimberly, Esq. one of his Majesties Justices 
of the Peace, and Quorum Speaker in the House of Representatives, &c. in all which 
trusts his eminent abilities distinguished him. He was the son of Eleazer Kim- 
berly, Esq. Aged 48 years, and 4 months. Born Sept. 1681, and expired Jan. 29, M. 
1729,-30. 



Here Ives the Bodyof ye Rev. Mr.Chiliab Brainerd, azealons and faithful minister 
of Christ, and first Pastor of ye Church in Eastbury, who deed. Jan. 1, 1739, in ye 31st 
year of his age, and in ye 3d year of his ministry. 

Reader ! one moment stand, and this stone will remind you that Wra, Welles, Esq. 
on the 12th of April, JE. 1778, in ye 54th year of his age, exchanged this world for an- 
other ; after being honored for many yen is as an acceptable servant of the public, with 
many Important offices of trust and confidence. 

Here lies the mortal parts of Mr. David Hale, who paid to nature its last demand 
June 17th, 1800, in the 44th year of his age, when his immortal part passed to receive 
a inure sublime degree under the Great Arch above. — When in Life he was respected, 
So in death he was lamented. 



GRANBY. 



Granby is an extensive irregular township, situated in the northern 
section of Hartford County. It was incorporated as a town in 1786, 
previous to which it was a part of Simsbury. It is bounded n. by the 
Massachusetts line, e. by Suffield and Windsor, s. by Simsbury and 
Canton, and w. by Barkhamsted and Hartland. The average length 
of the township from east to west is 9£ miles : the breadth from north 
to south averages more than <5 miles. There are two societies in this 
town, Turkey Hills and Salmon Brook. Turkey Hills is said to have 
derived its name from the numerous flocks of wild turkeys which for- 
merly used to range this part of the town. Salmon Brook (the west- 
ern part of the town) derived its name from a brook of that name, 
passing through this section, in which salmon formerly used to betaken. 
There are 5 houses of worship in this town ; 2 Congregational, 1 Epis- 
copal, 1 Methodist, and 1 Universalist. Salmon Brook, which is 14 
miles from Hartford and 3 from the old prison buildings, is perhaps the 
largest village. In this place is the Episcopal church, and about twenty 
or thirty dwelling houses in the vicinity. 



94 



G R A NB Y 



Different appearances of minerals have been discovered in the green- 
stone mountains and hills of this town. The cavern, which was once 
occupied by the State as a prison, is now opened and worked as a mine 
by the " Phoenix Mining Company," incorporated by the Legislature 
of Connecticut in 1830. 




South view of Nc legale Prison Buildings. 

This place, formerly the State Prison of Connecticut, is sixteen miles 
from Hartford : the spires of the churches in the city can be easily seen 
from the prison buildings. It is two and a half miles east of the New 
Haven and Northampton Canal, and four or five miles westward of Con- 
necticut river. The buildings are situated on the western declivity of a 
range of mountains which extend southerly to New Haven, terminating at 
the East Rock near that place. A range of lofty, precipitous and craggy 
rocks rises immediately cast of the Prison ; on the west extensive val- 
leys are seen, with mountains presenting irregular outlines in the distance. 

The appearance of this place forcibly reminds the observer of the 
walls, castles and towers erected for the security of some haughty lord- 
ling of the feudal ages ; while the gloomy dungeons within its walls call 
to remembrance a Bastile, the prisons of the Inquisition, and other en- 
gines of oppression and tyranny. 

The lands upon which this prison stands, and in the vicinity, were 
claimed by the original proprietors of the town, in which they were 
once situated ; but on account of their supposed value from the copper 
ore which had been found, and as gold was supposed to abound in the 
mine, it caused a contention about the title, which was long continued. 
To quiet this, the General Assembly in 1753, appointed a committee to 
investigate the subject, and confirmed the right and title of the original 
proprietors, and set off to them the land or mine. At this time copper 
ore had been found ; the ore was considered very rich, and it was also 
supposed that it contained gold. From these circumstances, the fame 



GRANBY. 95 

of these mines soon reached Europe, and a company was formed in 
England in 1760 for the purpose of working them ; soon after a number 
of persons in the employ of this company arrived from England for 
this purpose. But the company was obliged principally to employ 
men who resided in the neighborhood, who were not acquainted with the 
business ; from which circumstance and others, the work proceeded 
slowly, and with great difficulty. The company, however, was ena- 
bled to freight two vessels with ore, (as they did not calculate to work 
the ore here, but in England ;) these vessels were both lost — one was 
taken by the French, and the other sunk in the Channel. These losses 
were so great, and the whole business having been little more than a 
continuation of disasters and sacrifices, the company became discoura- 
ged and abandoned the undertaking. The miners, in digging and ex- 
ploring, sunk numerous wells or deep excavations. The principal one 
was upon Copper hill, so called, and is now remaining within the walls 
of the prison. These caverns were first occupied as a place of confine- 
ment about the time of the Revolutionary war. There being at that 
time no prison in the state besides the county gaols, and the number of 
convicts increasing, arrangements were made for occupying these cav- 
erns as a place of confinement, but no permanent buildings were at this 
time erected ; it is not probable that at first it was contemplated to 
convert these caverns into a state prison ; their occupation for this 
purpose was regarded as a temporary thing. The confining of con- 
victs having begun, it was continued ; and this being found inconven- 
ient, the General Assembly in 1790 passed an act, establishing Newgate 
prison as a permanent state prison, and provided for the erection of 
suitable buildings. 

The following is from Kendall's travels in the northern parts of the 
United States. He visited Newgate prison in 1S07. 

" On being admitted into the gaol van], I found a sentryvmder arms within the gate, 
and eight soldiers drawn up in a line in front of the gaoler's house. A hell summon- 
ing the prisoners to work had already rung; and in a few moments they began to 
make their appearance. They came in irregular numbers, sometimes two or three 
together, and sometimes a single tine al> me ; but whenever one or more were about to 
cross the yard to the smith ery, the soldiers were ordered to present, in readiness to 
fire. The prisoners were heavily ironed, and seemed both by handcuffs and fetters; 
and being therefore unable to walk, could only make their way by a sort of jump or a 
hop. On entering the smithery, some went to the sides of the forges, where collars, 
dependent by iron chains from the roof, were fastened round their necks, and others 
were chained in pairs to wheelbarrows. The number of prisoners was about forty ; 
and when they were all disposed of in the manner described, sentries were placed 
whhin the buildings which contained them. After viewing thus lar the ecouomv of 
this prison, I leftit, proposingto visit the cells ;it a later hour. 

" This establishment, as I have said, is designed to be, from all its arrangements, an 
object of terror; and every thing is accordingly contrived, to make the life endured 
in it as burdensome and miserable aspossible. In conformity with this idea, the place 
chosen forthe prison isnoother than the mouth of a forsaken copper mine, of which the 
excavations are employed as cells. They are descended by a shaft, which is secured by 
a trap door, within the prison house, or gaoler's house, which stands upon the mine. 

" The trap door being lifted up, I went down an iron ladder, perpendicularly fixed, 
to the depth of about fifty feet. From the foot of the ladder a rough, narrow, and low 
passage descends still deeper, till it terminates at a well of clear water, over which is 
an air shaft, seventy feet in height, and guarded at its mouth, which is within the gaol 
yard, by a hatch ofiron. The cells are near the well, but at different depths beneath 
the surface, none perhaps exceeding sixty feet. They are small, rueged, and accom- 
modated with wooden berths, and some straw. The straw was wet, and there was 
much humidity in every part of this obscure region; but 1 was assured I ought to at- 



96 GRAN BY. 

tribute this only to the remarkable wetness of the season ; that the cells were in gene- 
ral dry, and that they were nut found unfavorable to the health of the prisoners. 

" Into these cells the prisoners are dismissed at four o'clock in the afternoon, every 
day without exception, and at all seasons of the year. They descend in their fetters 
and handcuffs, and at four o'clock in the morning they ascend the iron ladder, climb- 
ing it as well as they can by the aid of their fettered limbs. It is to be observed that no 
women are confined here; the law providing that female convicts, guilty of crimes of 
which men are to be confined in Newgate prison, are to be sent only to the county goals. 

" Going again into the workshop or smithery, I found the attendants of the prison 
delivering pickled pork for the dinner of the prisoners. Pieces were given separately 
to the parties at each forge. They were thrown upon the floor, and left to be washed 
and boiled in the water used for cooling the iron wrought at the forges. Meat had 
been distributed in like manner for breakfast. The food of the prison is regulated 
for each day in the week ; and consists in an alternation of pork, beef, and peas, with 
which last no flesh meat is allowed. Besides the caverns or excavations below, and 
the gaoler's house above, there are other apartments prepared for the prisoners, and 
particularly a hospital, of which the neatness and airiness afford a strong contrast to 
the other parts of the prison. It was also satisfactory to find that in this hospital there 
were no sick. 

" Such is the seat and the scene of punishment provided by Connecticut for crimin- 
als not guilty of murder, treason, or either of a few other capital offences. What 
judgment the reader will pass upon it I do not venture to anticipate ; but for myself, 
I cannot get rid of the impression, that without any extraordinary cruelty in its actual 
operation, there is something very like cruelly in the device and design." 

In the southwestern part of the town are two remarkable hills, called 
Barn door hills, which rise to an elevation of four or five hundred feet. 
These hills have the appearance of having been separated by some vi- 
olent convulsion of nature, as the two sides correspond with each other. 
A road about half a mile in extent passes through the chasm now sepa- 
rating these two hills. Were this chasm closed up by bringing the hills 
together, the hill or mountain would present the appearance of a cone. 

If we were to credit but a small proportion of what has been related and 
believed by many persons to be true, this town has been the theater of 
the most extraordinary transactions. It is stated that about ten or twelve 
years since, in the west part of the town, in an old house near the Hartland 
line, the crying of a child, and many other unusual noises, were many 
times distinctly heard by persons who were in the house, although 
there was no child near, nor was there any apparent cause for any noise 
to be heard in the vicinity. Sometimes the crying of the child was 
very loud and distinct, and appeared to be but a kxv feet from the 
persons who heard it. (It ought to be mentioned, that in this house a 
foul crime is supposed to have been perpetrated.) Two young men, who 
were possessed of the usual share of courage, supposing the whole to 
be a kind of " ghost story," determined to sleep all night in the room 
where these noises were heard, and find out, if possible, the cause. 
Some time after they had gone to bed, in the dead of the night, some- 
thing appeared to come with a kind of gust against the house ; then 
something appeared to rush through the window, although nothing was 
seen ; next the chairs were thrown about in great disorder, next there 
was a noise heard at the fire-place with the shovel and tongs, although 
there were none in the room, and finally the noise appeared to go off 
down the ash-hole. Some forty or fifty years since a number of fami- 
lies in the West society were affected in a strange and unaccountable 
manner. The persons composing these families would often run about 
like persons distracted ; and according to their statements, heard strange 
noises, saw spirits in the air, &rc. 



H A ft T L A N D . 97 



HARTLAND, 



Hartland is an elevated township, 22 miles from Hartford, bounded 
n. by the Massachusetts line, e. by Granby, w. by Colebrook and s. by 
Barkhamsted, and is about 7 miles in length and 5 in breadth. This 
town is hilly and mountainous, being embraced within the extensive 
range of granite in this part of the State. From its elevated situation 
it is cold and frosty, and the soil rather sterile, producing but little 
grain ; it however affords tolerable grazing. The making of butter and 
cheese, beef and pork, and pasturing of cattle are the principal kinds of 
business done in the town. The farmers in the east of this to Connec- 
ticut river, have been in the practice of sending their growing or young 
cattle and sheep into this and other grazing towns, to be kept during 
several months in the spring and summer. 

The town is divided into two parts, one called East, the other West 
Hartland, in each of which is a Congregational church ; there is also a 
Methodist church in the limits of the town. The town is centrally 
divided by the east branch of the Farmington river, on which are sev- 
eral small tracts of alluvial, and excellent mill seats. The deep ravine 
or valley through which this stream passes is called Hartland hollow, 
and is characterized by bold, rough, and picturesque scenery. 

Hartland is one of the towns sold by the State to the inhabitants of 
Hartford and Windsor. The first proprietors' meeting was holden in 
Hartford in 1733. The first person who lived in the town was John 
Kendall, who being in debt, fled from Granby, and to get out of the way 
of his creditors, located himself in Hartland Hollow, on the west bank 
of the branch of the Farmington river ; here he made himself a hut with 
slabs which floated down the stream from Granville, Mass. — this was in 
1753. While here Kendall's wife bore a pair of twin daughters, the 
first white children born in the town. Kendall stayed in the town about 
one year. In 1755, Simon Baxter came into this town. He was con- 
sidered a person of suspicious character. In the Revolution he joined 
the army of Burgoyne, and finally died at Halifax. 

Hartland was incorporated as a town in 1761, at which time it belong- 
ed to Litchfield County. In 1768, the Rev. Sterling Graves was or- 
dained, being the first minister in the town. He was ordained in the 
open air, on a knoll about a mile south of the present Congregational 
church in East Hartland. The first meeting house was erected in 1770. 
In West Hartland, the first minister was the Rev. Nathaniel Gaylord, 
who settled there about 1732. Mr. Gaylord is still living, and preaches 
occasionally. 

Hartland, Litchfield County, Jan. 19, 1796. 

There is now living in this town, one Mr. Jonas Wilder, in the 97th year of his age, 
and is a steady, industrious man, seldom losing one day in a month by reason of infir- 
mity and old age; he was one of the fust settlers in said town, and has in this town 
lived near 36 years ; he was then the oldest person that ever lived in said town and 
ever since has been, and still remains, the oldest person by several years. He has had 
two wives and both of one name, both christian and maiden, the last of which he hath 
lived with about 65 years ; he has had 1"3 children and never lost one ; his eldest child 
is now in the 73d year of his age, the youngest in his 47th. His sons, though but seven 
in number, have sustained the following honorable offices, beside town and society 

13 



98 MANCHESTER. 

offices, viz. one Colonel, one Major, one Captain, two Lieutenants, three Justices of 
the Peace, three Representatives, and three Deacons. 

His posterity was numbered in 1773, and found to be 232, of which he had lost only 
16, and how many hath increased since then is unknown, as two lived near Boston, 
two at Upper Coos, and three at Genesee. — Conn. Courant. 

The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the burying 
ground by the side of the Congregational church in East Hartland. 

In memory of Deacon Thomas Giddings, the first residing inhabitant in Hartland, 
he came into town June 12th, 1754. Died May 24th, Aged 67 years. 

" We are Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth as were all our Fathers." 

In memory of the Rev. Aaron Church, who died April 19th, 1823, in the 78 year of 
his age, and 50th of his ministry. 

With Abraham's joy, Thy call I follow to the land unknown : 
I trust in thee, and know in whom I trust. 



MANCHESTER. 



Manchester was incorporated as a township in 1823. It was for- 
merly called Orford, the East parish in East Hartford. It is nearly six 
miles in length, and about the same in breadth, bounded n. by East 
Windsor and Vernon, e. by Bolton and Vernon, w. by East Hartford, 
and s. by Glastenbury. The surface of the town is somewhat broken 
and hilly ; it has a mixed soil of sand, loam and gravel, and is generally 
fertile. In the western part of it, there is a range of red sandstone, ex- 
tending through the town ; this stone generally lies under the surface, 
and being of a soft texture is easily worked, and is valuable for under- 
pinning, hearth and step stones. The township is watered by the Hock- 
anum and its branches, upon which are situated numerous mills and 
manufactories, among which are six or seven paper mills, one woolen 
and one satinet factory, and two powder mills. 

The cut on the next page is an eastern view of the churches in Man- 
chester. They stand on a light sandy plain, about 8 miles from Hartford. 
The Methodist church is the first building seen on the right, the one 
beyond is the Congregational church. There are three principal set- 
tlements in the town, in each of which is a post office : Woodbridge's, 
near the centre, Buckland's corner, and a collection of houses in the 
northeast part of the town, in the vicinity of the Union Factory. 

" The first cotton mill that was successfully put in operation in Con- 
necticut, was erected within the present limits of this town in 1794, 
and owned by Messrs. Samuel Pitkin &, Co. Velvets, corduroys, fus- 
tians, were manufactured at this establishment in considerable quanti- 
ties, at that early period. The machinery was made by a native of 
England, and upon the principles introduced by Arkwright. Efforts 
all of the same nature had been before attempted in the State, but were 
unsuccessful. The business was regarded as a mystery, difficult of ac- 
quisition, and as an experiment hazardous to the undertakers. But one 
cotton mill was in operation in the country at this time, and that at 
Providence, and owned by Messrs. Ailing & Brown and Samuel 



MARLBOROUGH 



99 




Methodist and Congregational Churches, Manchester. 

Slater. A mill was soon afterwards erected at Patterson, N. J. Com- 
paratively little progress was made in extending the cotton manufacture 
until about 1804, since which it has experienced many vicissitudes, and 
had to encounter great difficulties. The business was nourishing dur- 
ing the war, but from the vast and alarming influx of goods after the 
peace, became greatly depressed. New companies, however, were 
formed upon the passage of the tariff of 1816, and additional capital in- 
vested in the business, and the mills, which had discontinued their ope- 
rations and were suffered to decay, were repaired and put in operation, 
many of them having been transferred to other hands." 

In the vicinity of the two churches, (seen above,) in 1751, Mr. Thomas Kennedy 
and a young man were buried alive by the caving in of a well 53 feet in depth. Mr. 
Kennedy, who descended from motives of curiosity, found the earth caving in about 
him. Having called for help, a rope attached to a windlass was let down, and he was 
directed to tie it around his body under his arms. This method of extricating him 
was found ineffectual. In the hurry of the moment, a young man descended the well 
in order to cut the rope. A large stone now caved in, followed by a mass of sand, 
which covered both, and they were instantly suffocated. An order was obtained from 
Gov. Law, who resided at Milford, to raise assistance to disinter the bodies. Ten days 
had elapsed before they were dug out. 



MARLBOROUGH. 



This town is situated in the southeastern extremity of Hartford 
County. It was incorporated in 1803, being formed from Colchester, 
Glastenbury and Hebron, three towns which belonged to three differ- 
ent counties. The township is irregular in its form, having an average 
length of five and a half miles, and an average breadth of four miles, 
bounded n. by Glastenbury, e. by Hebron, s. by Colchester, and w. 
by Chatham. The surface of the town is hilly and stony, and the lands 
best adapted for grazing. Marlborough pond, in this town, is a con- 



100 SIMSBURT. 

siderable body of water, being one mile in length and half a mile in 
breadth. Black lead has been found in this town. There is one house 
of worship in the town, which is of the Congregational order. 

The most compact settlement in the town is around the Union Cot- 
ton Factory, which is 14 miles from Hartford and one mile northerly 
from the Congregational church. The number of inhabitants in 1810 
was 720; in 1830 the population was ~04. 

The first settlement in the town was commenced in the south part, 
by persons by the name of Foot and Carrier, who were from Colches- 
ter: these settlers located themselves between two and three miles 
south of the meeting house. The tradition is, that the first person who 
located himself in the limits of the town was Mr. Carrier, who con- 
structed a kind of log hut on the land now owned by Mr. Gelston. 
Carrier, who came up from Colchester to make a clearing for a settle- 
ment, having got detained from some cause, was obliged to stay in his 
hut over night, and was attacked by a party of Indians, eight or ten in 
number. Carrier, who was a strong athletic man, defended himself 
with such effect that he killed nearly the whole number with his axe, 
as they attempted to force themselves into his cabin. 

The New London and Hartford turnpike passes through the center 
of this town. After ascending the mountain which forms the eastern 
boundary of the valley of the Connecticut, about twelve miles from Hart- 
ford, the road passes through what is called " the dark hollow." This 
place is on the mountain, near the western boundary of Marlborough, 
Large masses of rocks are thrown about in great disorder, giving the 
place a wild and savage aspect. In the vicinity of this place, westerly 
from the turnpike, an English gentleman, it is said, who had married 
the daughter of one of the governors of Connecticut, resided for some 
time with his family, at the period of the first settlement of the country, 



SIMSBURY. 



The ancient name of Simsbury was Massacoe. The land was pur- 
chased of the Indians, and settlements began under the town of Wind- 
sor, of which it was then considered as part. In the session of the 
General Court, May, 1670, it was enacted, that Massacoe should be a 
distinct town, by the name of Simsbury; the limits granted were ten 
miles northward from the north bounds of Farmington, and ten miles 
westward from the western bounds of Windsor. About six years after 
the settlement, the inhabitants, numbering about forty families, w ? ere so 
alarmed at the hostility of the Indians, that they buried their effects and 
went back to Windsor. The settlement being deserted, the Indians 
destroyed the houses which had been erected, by burning them, and 
blotted out almost every vestige of improvement which distinguished 
the new born settlement from the surrounding wilderness ; so that when 
the settlers returned, they could not find the place where their goods 



SIMSBURY. 



101 



were secreted. This was in the spring of 1676, at which time Sims- 
bury was a frontier settlement, although but about ten miles from Con- 
necticut river. This township is seven miles in length, and about five 
and a half miles in breadth, upon an average estimate. It is bounded 
N. by Granby, e. by Windsor and Bloomfield, s. by Avon, and w. by 
Canton. It is strikingly diversified, being intersected by the Farmington 
river, and embracing the range of the greenstone mountain, which here 
is elevated and lofty. The New Haven and Northampton Canal passes 
through this town, running parallel with the river. 





- 




South vieiv of Tarijfvil/e, in Simsuury. 



Tariffville, a flourishing village, is situated at the northeastern ex- 
tremity of this town, on the west bank of the Farmington river, which 
at this place passes south, at the base of a range of mountains, which 
divides this part of the State from the great valley of Connecticut river. 
The accompanying view shows the appearance of the village from the 
heights which rise immediately south. The river passes between the 
buildings represented and the precipitous heights seen on the right in 
the engraving. There is in the village a post office, called the Tariff- 
ville post office, and two taverns, both of which are seen in the engrav- 
ing; one is seen on the extreme left, the other south of the Stone Fac- 
tory, (the building with a cupola,) before which a large tree is standing 
in the street. This place is a carpet manufacturing village, owned prin- 
cipally by a company called the " New England Carpet Company ;" 
they employ 175 hands, and manufacture yearly about 132,000 yards 
of carpeting. This flourishing village is between three and four miles 
south of Newgate or Simsbury mines, near the New Haven and North- 
ampton Canal, and twelve miles from Hartford. 

The following extracts are from a publication entitled " the History 
of my own times," by the Rev. Daniel Barber, A. M. printed at Wash- 
ington, 1827. 



102 SIMSBURY. 

" In the commencement of Philip's war in New England, in 1675,? 
this town (Simsbury) was burnt by the Indians. Connected with which 
event, current tradition has preserved and handed down the following 
singular and extraordinary fact : that, very shortly before this attack by 
the Indians, early one Sunday morning, as Lieut. Robe's father was 
walking over the plain not from his house, he very plainly and dis- 
tinctly heard the report of a small arm, which much surprised him, it 
being the Sabbath. He found on returning to his house, that his fam- 
ily also heard it. On going to meeting, at which the inhabitants from 
all parts of the town were assembled, it was ascertained that the report 
was heard at the same hour in every quarter. It was, on further exam- 
ination, found to have been heard as far south as Saybrook, (fifty miles,) 
and as far north as Northfield, at that time the extent of the English 
settlements to the north. The report of this gun alarmed all Connec- 
ticut. The Governor summoned a council of war to meet at Hartford ; 
and the council issued an order for the inhabitants of Simsbury, one 
and all, immediately to withdraw themselves to Hartford, the then cap- 
ital. This order was punctually obeyed. The fearful apprehension of 
being suddenly murdered by savages, put in motion, and hastened along, 
whole bands of women and children, with men in the rear, with sheep, 
cattle, and such utensils and conveniences as their short notice and 
hasty flight would permit. Hartford was twelve miles distant. Their 
heavy articles, such as pots, kettles, and plough irons, were secreted in 
the bottoms of swamps and wells. 

" The father of the first Governor Wolcott and his family, were 
among those who fled from Simsbury. Old Mr. Wolcott filled up a 
large brass kettle with his pewter cups, basins, platters, &c. and then 
sunk the kettle with its contents in the deep mud of the swamp, but 
was never able to find it afterwards. 

" After the inhabitants had spent a day or two in their retreat, the 
men under arms were sent back, for the purpose of looking about and 
making discoveries. They came to the highest eminencce in the road 
east of Simsbury river, from which, at one view, they could take a sur- 
vey of the principal part of their habitations, which, to their surprise 
and sorrow, were become a desolation, and every house burnt to ashes. 
They saw no Indians, but plenty of Indian tracks and trails in the sand. 

" I have recorded the story as a matter of fact, having very often 
heard it related as such in my infant years, and also from the children 
of those who were both witnesses and personal sufferers. 

" My father's name was Daniel Barber. He was the son of Sergeant 
Thomas Barber, who was the grandson of Lieut. Thomas Barber, who 
commanded under Captain Westover, in the first military company in 
said Simsbury. He was one of the original proprietors of that town- 
ship, as appears from his name being still on the original charter. It is 
also reported of him, that at a time when the savages were surrounding 
the town with a determination to destroy its inhabitants in the darkness 
of the night, that by means of his military skill and sagacity, he pre- 
vented their attack ; that the next morning, the wind being fair, he as- 
cended the roof of his house, in the place called Hop Meadow, and 



SIMSBUKY. 103 

beat an alarm on his drum. The beat was heard and understood at 
Windsor, seven or eight miles off. The militia took the alarm, and a 
company under arms made their appearance in the afternoon at Sims- 
bury." 

The following is from Mr. Barber's pamphlet from which the prece- 
ding was taken. 

" Immediately after the battle of Bunker's Hill, in 1775, orders were issued for raising 
a regiment of Connecticut troops, for the term of five months, under Colonel Jede- 
diah Huntington, of Norwich. I enlisted under Captain Elihu Humphrey, of Sims- 
bury. My other officers were Lieut. Andrew Hilyer, Lieut. Ebenezer Fitch Bissel, 
and Ensign Stoughton; all of whom are men of character and reputation. Captain 
Elihu, as we generally called him, was the son of the Hon. John Humphrey, formerly 
one of the Governor's council, and a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the 
County of Hartford. Captain Elihu was a well bred gentleman ; his friendly turn of 
mind, with a sweetness of disposition, secured him the love of all good men; his 
confidence and esteem procured him the commission of Major, in the second cam- 
paign. He dying about the close of the year 1776, left, as a legacy to his family, a 
name, whose reputation will not be forgotten during many generations. I knew him 
— I revered him — and I loved him. Lieut. Hilyer, (now Col. Hilyer,) was also of 
Simsbury. He was a handsome sprightly young gentleman, who had in early life re- 
ceived a college education. As an officer, his manner was unassuming, gentle and 
persuasive. Whenever he spoke, the soldiers heard him with pleasure, and whatever 
was his will was cheerfully complied with. E. Fitch Bissel, of Windsor, was second 
lieutenant. He was a gentleman, though not of the most easy and familiar turn; yet, 
for his steady, correct attention to the duties of his station, was well respected. I think 
he was advanced to a captainship the next year. He died many years ago. Of En- 
sign Stoughton, 1 remember but little. Sickness delained him long out of camp. He 
was a tall well made man, and possessed a good military appearance. He was also 
from Old Windsor. The sergeants in this company were, Aaron Pinney, Jacob 
Tuller, Daniel Higley, and Thomas Hayden; Jonathan Humphrey, Jr. (afterwards 
Col. Humphrey,) was Cletk of the Roll; all of Simsbury except Sergeant Hayden. 
Sergeant Pinney was a man of a fierce and fiery countenance and commanding air, 
well becoming a soldier of '75. Sergeant Tuller was a man from whom we did not 
expect much flattery; his brow was generally knit together in a forbidding frown. 
Sergeant Higley, who had been a soldier in the old French war, was of a musical 
turn, and his old war songs made the time pass away to very good account. Sergeant 
Thomas Hayden was, no doubt, a military man ; but I should guess no soldier ever 
admired him for his pleasant airs. Jonathan Humphrey, Clerk of the Roll, was a 
most charming companion; his social airs and pleasant countenance gained the af- 
fection and good wishes of all. He is long since dead, and lies buried near Major 
Elihu, in Hop Meadow burying ground. Our company being suddenly enlisted, to 
the number of about seventy-five, rank and file, orders were given for all to meet on a 
certain day at the house of the Captain, well equipped, and ready to begin their march. 

" The Rev. Mr. Pitkin, of Farmington, was requested that "day to preach the fare- 
well sermon to the soldiers. At the hour appointed, we marched to the meeting 
house, where the officers appeared in military style, with their appropriate badges of 
distinction, and the soldiers in proper order, with their arms and accoutrements, as 
men prepared for battle. It was a full and overflowing audience, all in high expecta- 
tion of hearing something new and charming from so gifted a preacher. After his 
warm and fervent prayer to Heaven for the success and prosperity of the American 
armies, and the liberties and freedom of our country, he introduced his address, if I 
remember right, from these words: " Play the man for your country, and for the cit- 
ies of your God; and the Lord do that which seemeth him good." His sermon was 

well adapted to the occasion, and the spirit of the day. It was tender and pathetic 

lively and animating. It was like martial music; while it touched the finer feelings, 
it roused and animated for the dreadful onset — the shout of war and the cry of victo- 
ry ! During the time of its delivery, abundance of tears were seen to flow, from both 
old and young, male as well as female. The sermon being ended, the drums soon 
beat to arms. Being arranged in military order, we were again conducted to the 
Captain's house, and dismissed for a short time. In going to and from the meetin 0, 
we were followed and accompanied by a mixed multitude — fathers and mothers- 
wives and children — sisters, friends and strangers. Now each soldier had the oppor- 
tunity of mingling for a few moments with his dearest friends and companions. The 
tender feelings of love— of friendship— of affection— again burst forth. While the 
fond father and tender-hearted mother are bidding adieu to their sons, the husband, 



104 



8IMSBIRY 



the wife, the children — brothers, sisters and best friends — are exchanging, as for the 
last time, (he token of their love, and the best affections of the heart. 

" In the midst of this mingling scene of sorrow, the drums beat to arms. Soldiers, 
take your places is the word ; the line of march is formed ; we add one more wishful, 
lingering look, while many a silent tear bespeaks the real feeling of the heart. 

" The word is given. We begin our march with silence, downcast looks, and pen- 
sive feelings and reflections. "We were now leaving our homes, our friends, and all 
our pleasant places behind, and which our eyes might never again behold. The most 
of us had not, at that time, 1 believe, been twenty miles from home. After marching 
awhile, we began to give way to more cheerful and lively feelings. We marched 
about eight miles that afternoon ; at ni^ht put up at James Marsh's inn. Here, for the 
first time, I slept as a soldier on the floor, with a cartridge-box for my pillow. At 
that period, horse wagons being very little in use, an ox team was provided to carry 
our provision for the way, and a barrel of rum. Our provision was salt pork and peas. 
Wherever we stopped, a large kettle was hung over the fire in which the salt meat 
was put without freshening, and the dry peas without soaking. Cooks and stewards 
were appointed who took charge of the table department. When all was ready, a 
stroke on the drum was the signal to begin to eat ; and we were generally hungry 
enough to stand in need of no great urging. While passing through Connecticut, the 
females were very polite, in lending us knives and forks; but, after entering Massa- 
chusetts, we were not allowed the like favor, without pledging money, or some other 
kind of security — the people saying they had lost many of their spoons by the soldiers 
who had gone before us. Our bread was hard biscuit, in which there was a small 
quantity of lime, just sufficient to make the mouth sore. They were so hard that the 
soldiers called them candlestick' bottoms. 

" Now, for the first time, we travelled on the Lord's day, under arms, and past meet- 
ing houses in the time of public worship, with drums and fifes playing martial music; 
all which was calculated to afford to a New England man some doubts and reflections, 
whether God would be as well pleased with such parade and military performance, 
as if we had stayed at home to read our Bibles, or went to meeting to hear the minis- 
ter. But military discipline and the habits of a soldier, soon effected a degree of re- 
laxation in most of us. In process of time, many once pions, at least in form and 
appearance, came into the practice of treating all days nearly alike; yet there were 
some who kept up the practice of reading Watts' Psalms and Hymns, as a book of 
devotion. 

" It is very natural to expect, that soldiers under arms are not generally inclined to 
the same degree of civility as others, or as they ought to be ; though this is not always 
the case. Yet, at the period at which I am speaking, and during our march,, a was 
not uncommon, if a soldier thought himself not well treated by the inn-keeper, to 
shew his resentment by shooting a ball through his sign. 

"In our march through Connecticut, the inhabitants seemed to view us with tokens. 
of joy and gladness, and by them we were treated with common civility, and a respect 
due us as soldiers; but when we came into Massachusetts, and advanced nearer to 
Boston, the inhabitants wherever we stopped, seemed to have no belter opinion of us 
(except the officers) than if we had been a banditti of rogues and thieves. This served 
to mortify our feelings, and sometimes drew from us expressions of angry resentment. 

" Afcer about nine or ten days' marching, in company with our ox team, loaded 
with our salt pork, peas, and candlestick bottoms for bread, and the barrel of rum to 
cheer our spirits and wash our feet, which began to be very sore by travelling, we 
came to Roxbury, the place of our destination. There the place of our encampment 
was already marked out, and a part of our regiment on the spot. For every six sol- 
diers there was a tent provided. The ground it covered was about srx or seven feet 
square. This served for kitchen, parlor and hall. The green turf, covered with a 
blanket, was our bed and bedstead. When we turned in for the night, we had to lie 
perfectly straight, like candles in a box : this was not pleasant to our hip bones and 
knee joints, which often in the night would wake us, and beg to turn over. Our house- 
hold utensils, altogether, were an iron pot, a canteen, or wooden bottle holding two 
quarts, a pail, and wooden bowl. Each had to do his own washing, and take his tun* 
at the cookery." 



Simsbury, {Whcctog,} July 28th, 1768. 
Last Saturday we had here such a storm of hail as perhaps has not been known in 
the memory of man. The forenoon of that day was extremely hot; about noon a very 
black cloud began to rise, which in about two hours produced a heavy rain, attended 
with violent thunder. When the rain abated, there came on hail, which increased 
so much that the last hail stones which fell were supposed to be full the bulk of gocs&-. 



S O U T II I N G T O N . 



105 



eggs — rather bigger than less. Il did much damage to the smaller and weaker ani- 
mals and vegetables. The apple trees, grain, and gardens were considerably damaged, 
as were also the shingles of some buildings — the glass suffered less than was expected. 
Cut had not the hail fell considerably perpendicular, but little glass would have esca- 
ped. Several of the hail stones were weighed, and amounted to three ounces each, 
so long after they fell that it was supposed one third of their magnitude was dissolved. 
'Tis impossible "to communicate a true idea of a phenomenon so rare, unexpected and 
terrible. 



Hartford, July 2bth. 

In addition to the account in our last of the hail storm at Simsbury, we learn that 
it destroyed great quantities of English grain, but did more damage to rye than 
wheat ; many large fields of the former having been since mowed for fodder, in which 
Jonathan Peltibone, Esq. Mr. Thomas Case, and others have been great sufferers. In 
the park of the above Case, a deer had one of his legs broke, and was otherwise so 
much wounded that he Soon after died. Several hogs had their backs broke, some 
of which died some days afterwards. Some horses, and other large animals, were cut 
through the skin by the biggest and more ragged hail stones. 'Tis also to be noted, 
that great quantities of glass were broke, which the compiler of the former particu- 
lars was not apprized of when he communicated the same to us. 



SOUTH INGTON 




South vieiv of Soutkington, {central part.) 

Southington is situated in the southwestern corner of Hartford 
County ; bounded n. by Bristol and Farmington, w. by Woleott, s. by 
Cheshire, and e. by a range of mountains, separating it from Berlin. 
The soil is generally good, and well adapted to the culture of rye and 
Indian corn. The township is about six miles in length, and about the 
same in breadth. The central part of the town is 18 miles from Hart- 
ford and 21 from New Haven. The population in 1810 was 1,807; 
in 1830, it was 1,844. 

The above is a south view of the three churches in the town, and 
some other buildings in the vicinity. The nearest building seen on the 
right is now occupied as a post office ; the next building north is the 

14 



106 SOUTH INGTON. 

Episcopal church, part of which is seen in the engraving .; the building 
with a spire, in the center, is the Congregational church ; the Baptist 
church, with a square tower, is seen a little to the north. The Epis- 
copal church has stood about 50 years ; the first house of worship used 
by the Baptists stands about twenty rods west, and is now used as an 
Academy; this building is about as old as the Episcopal church. The 
first Congregational church was erected about one mile north of its 
present location, on the southeast part of the elevation, on which is the 
north burying ground. The first clergyman was Rev. Jeremiah Curtiss. 

This town was originally included in the limits of Farmington. It 
was laid out into lots, and divided among the eighty four proprietors of 
Farmington, in 1722. Several persons, however, had settled in it at 
that time, and within four or five years after that period, it was incor- 
porated as a society, by the name of Southington, and was made a town 
in 1779. The first settlers were principally from Farmington ; a few 
from Wallingford and Waterbury : their names were Woodruff, Hart. 
Andrews, Gridley, Newell, Lewis, Langdon, Root, Barnes, Clark, and 
others. 

The inhabitants are generally engaged in agriculture ; yet several 
kinds of manufactures receive considerable attention. Peck's patent 
for machines for making tin ware, a most valuable invention, is exclu- 
sively owned in this town, and the business of making them is exten- 
sively carried on, by Messrs. Seth Peck St Co. whose manufactory sup- 
plies almost the whole of the United States and the British provinces. 
The manufacture of water cement is very extensively carried on in this 
town, and furnishes a supply for the wants of the vicinity, and some for 
distant markets. There is an establishment for the manufacture of lasts, 
which are turned out by a machine : this is effected by having a model 
of the shape wanted, inserted into the apparatus connected with the 
machinery. Besides the above, there is a brass foundery ; and several 
other establishments, for manufacturing various articles, such as saws of 
different kinds, tin ware, combs, spoons, clocks, brushes, &,c. are in ope- 
ration, more or less extensively, at different times, according to the de- 
mands of the market. Copper has been discovered, in several places, 
in the range of mountains on the eastern border of the town. 

The following has been often related as a matter of fact. It is stated, 
that about the first settlement of the town, one of the inhabitants, by 
the name of Tufts, a singular sort of a man, became so weary of life, 
that he determined to 

"shuffle off this mortal coil." 

Having understood that those who perished by the cold, suffered but 
little pain, he concluded to freeze himself to death. Going out in the 
severity of winter, he seated himself down where a cold "northwester" 
blew fair upon him, and awaited the accomplishment of his purpose. 
After sitting awhile, he found the severity of the weather so uncom- 
fortable that he was induced to go in the house, declaring that it was 
actually too cold to freeze to death, and wished for a great coat and 
mittens, in order to make his exit in a more comfortable manner. 



SUFFIELD. 107 

The following inscriptions are from monuments in the burying ground 
north of the principal village in Southington. 

This monument is erected in memory of the Rev<J. Jeremiah Curtiss, he early devo- 
ted himself to the gospel ministry. He was settled Nov. 1728, in the 23d year oi his 
age, and continued in that work, till he was regularly dismissed Nov. 1754. Integrity, 
meeknessahd humility, were conspicuous and acknowledged parts of his character, 

both in public and private life. He died March -21st, 17 ( J5, in the 89th year of his age. 
The memory of the just is blessed. 



The just shall live by Faith, Heb. 10. 38. 
The Rev. William Robinson was born at Lebanon, Aug. 15th, 1754. In 1780, he 
was ordained Pastor of the Church in Southington, and continued in that relation 41 
years. He died Aug. loth 1825, on his birthday, aged 71 years — How mild to the 
righteous the dawn of immortality, how calm the sleep of death. Venerable Father! 
th} he id silvered by age and bedewed with the tears of children anil friends is laid in 
the dust, thy spirit has gone to the land where the wicked cease from troubling and the 
weary are at rest. There we trust to receive the benediction: "Well done, good and 
faithful servant.'' May the remembrance of thy kind counsels, and thy virtues be a 
strong bond to bind us with the cords of peace, of harmony and love. — May thy loved 
Spirit still influence us to seek that wisdom whose ways are ways of pleasantness and 
whose paths are peace. 

In memory of Mrs. Naomi Robinson, wife of the Rev. William Robinson. She 

was born at East Windsor. Sept. 28th 1754, of the ancient and honorable family of the 
Wolcotts. .She was peculiarly beloved in Life, and at death universally lamented. 
She died of the Small Pox in "the 28th year of her age, April 16th, 1782. Her's was 
the character so strikingly described in the 31st Chap, of Proverbs, and to none could 
that closing vm^e be more properly applied than to her, " Many daughters have done 
virtuously but thou excellest them all." 

The following is from a monument in a small burying ground up- 
wards of three miles westward of the churches. 

The Reverend John Merriman died on Feb. 17th, 1784, in the 89th year of his age. 
He was a Calvinistic Anti-pedo Baptiss minister. 

Here lies tin' body death has bound. 

Whose soul with ministerial gifts was crovvn'd, 

His life his master's doctrine did adorn, 

And waits his last reword till the auspicious morn. 



SUFFIELD 



This town was originally under the jurisdiction of the colony of 
Massachusetts. It was purchased of two sachems by Mr. Pyncheon, 
and some others, for about one hundred dollars. In 1670, a grant of 
Suffield was made to Maj. John Pyncheon and his associates, by the 
general court of Massachusetts, as a committee to lay it out and plant a 
township. It was settled about this period, and incorporated with town 
privileges. It continued subject to the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, 
till the year 1752, being then annexed to Connecticut. 

Suffield is bounded n. by Massachusetts, e. by Connecticut river, 
separating it from Enfield, w. by Granby and the Southwick ponds in 
Massachusetts, and s. by Windsor and Granby. The township, which 
is somewhat irregular in its form, averages about eight miles in length 
from east to west, and five in breadth. This town, though somewhat 



108 



SUFFIELD. 




Connecticut Literary Institution, at SvMeld. 



diversified in its surface and soil, is considered by many to be one of 
the best townships of land in the State : the eastern section, bordering 
upon Connecticut river, has a gradual rise for about two miles to the 
public road, which runs nearly in a parallel direction with the river. 
This is a fine tract, the soil being a strong and deep loam. There is no 
alluvial upon the border of the river, and the bank is generally eleva- 
ted and bold. The town is divided into two parishes, Suffield and 
West Suffield. There are four houses of worship in the town, two for 
Baptists and two for Congregationalists. The population of Sufiield 
has not varied much for the last forty years. In 1800, the number of 
inhabitants was 2,660; in 1810, they numbered 2,630; in 1830, their 
number was 2,690. The principal street in the first society, which is 
a mile or more in length, lies on beautiful ground, rising gradually from 
the south towards the north. It is well settled, and contains many hand- 
some dwelling houses. From the higher parts there is a fine prospect ; 
the peak of Mount Tom is seen at the distance of twenty miles, form- 
ing a prominent object in the landscape, opening to the northward. 
Upon this street are two churches, one for the Congregationalists and 
one for the Baptists, a post office, stores, and the Connecticut Literary 
Institution. 

The above is a northeastern view of the Institution, which is pleas- 
antly located in the center of the place, 16 miles n. of Hartford and 10 
s. of Springfield. It was commenced under the patronage of the Con- 
necticut Baptist Education Society. A distinct act of incorporation 
was obtained in May, 1835. The edifice, which is constructed of brick, 
is 72 feet long and 34 wide, four stories high, containing 24 rooms, well 
furnished for the accommodation of students. "Connected with the 
Institution, and owned by the corporation, are 16 acres of valuable land, 
and a large dwelling bouse for the use of a steward, who furnishes 
board, including washing, for 1 dol. 25 cts. per week. The average 



SUFFIELD. 109 

number of students thus far has been about 60 : the number is con- 
stantly increasing, and the seminary gives fair promise of rising to an 
elevated rank among institutions of similar character in the country. 



It will be perceived, in all correct maps of Connecticut, that a tract 
of land, about two miles in length and breadth, on the western boun- 
dary of this town, projects into what would seem ought to belong to 
Connecticut. This tract has been left to the jurisdiction of Massachu- 
setts, since the year 1800. It appears that the bounds of Springfield 
and Windsor were not defined with much accuracy, in this section ; the 
bounds at the northwest point of the projection, however, appear to 
have been clearly defined. The western bounds of Springfield, in 
which part of Suffield was included, were supposed, but erroneously, to 
extend to this point. A Mr. Moore, living on the tract in question, 
was knowing to the facts in the case. Having received a warning to 
a militia training, he refused to appear, denying that he was within the 
jurisdiction of Connecticut. The case was carried to the General As- 
sembly of Connecticut, who, upon an examination of the facts in the 
case, were obliged to leave this tract to the jurisdiction of Massachu- 
setts. 

" The south line of Massachusetts, according to charter, runs west from a point 
three miles south of the most southerly branch of Charles river, and every part of it; 
and the north line of Connecticut is the south line of Massachusetts. When Mr. 
Pynchon settled Springfield, and the first plantations were made in Connecticut, in 
1635, it was not known whether the territory would fall within the limits of Massachu- 
setts or not. But Mr. Pynchon at first considered himself as belonging to the jurisdic- 
tion of the Connecticut plantations. In 1642, Massachusetts employed two surveyors, 
Woodward and Saffery, to run the line between the colonies. These pretended to as- 
certain the south line on Charles river, and then sailing round and going up the Con- 
necticut, they attempted to fix the line there, in the same latitude. But either through 
inattention or the use of bad instruments, they determined the line to tall in Windsor, 
many miles south of the true line. — Connecticut was dissatisfied with the determina- 
tion of Woodward and Saffery, and made repeated proposals to Massachusetts for a 
mutual adjustment of the controversy, which were ineffectual. In 1694, a committee 
appointed by Connecticut, run the line and found the former survey very erroneous. 
In this situation, the inhabitants of Suffield and Enfield, who settled under the claims 
and jurisdiction of Massachusetts, continued to encroach upon Windsor and Sims- 
bury, which excited warm animosities. In the year 1700, further attempts were made 
to procure an amicable settlement of the dispute; the line was run by commissioners 
of both colonies, in 1702, and found to fall far north of the former line ; but Massa- 
chusetts disagreed to their report. In 170S, Connecticut appointed commissioners 
with full powers to run the line, and establish the boundary ; and resolved, that unless 
Massachusetts would unite to complete the business, they would apply to the crown. 
Massachusetts did nota^ree at once to the proposal of Connecticut ; but in 1713, com- 
missioners were appointed on the part of both colonies, who came to an agreement on 
the 13th of July. On running the line, il was found to fall north oi' Enfield, Suffield, 
and Woodstock, which of course came within the jurisdiction of Connecticut. As an 
equivalent for the land which had been taken from Connecticut by encroachments, 
Massachusetts granted a trad of land in the western pait of that colony, which, in 
1716, was sold for two thousand (wo hundred and seventy-four dollars, which sum was 
applied to the use of Yale College. This agreement, however, was not considered as 
conclusive and -satisfactory : nor was the boundary between the two states definitely 
settled till May, L804."* 

Gen. Phincas Lyman, distinguished for his services during the 
French war, and for many public employments, was for several years a 

* Webster, Hist, of U.S. 



110 SUFFIELD. 

resident in this town. He was born at Durham, about the year 1716, 
and educated at Yale College. He devoted himself to the profession 
of law, and commenced practice in this town. " He look a distinguished 
part in the dispute between this state and Massachusetts, relative to the 
right of jurisdiction over the town of Suffield, and the other towns upon 
that boundary, settled by Massachusetts. He afterwards became a 
councillor, then called a magistrate, which office he held for a number 
of years. During the French war, he had a distinguished command in 
the northern army for several years. In the campaign of 1755, he 
served as major general in the provincial troops. At or soon after the 
close of the war, he went to England to support a claim of the officers 
of the provincial troops, having been authorised to act as general agent. 
After experiencing great difficulties and delay, (having returned once 
for an extension of his powers,) he succeeded in obtaining a grant of an 
extensive tract of land upon the Mississippi, in the vicinity of Natchez. 
He accordingly embarked, and sailed directly for the Mississippi, where 
he arrived about the year 1774. He dispatched one of his sons for 
his family, which during this period had remained in Suffield ; but just 
before their arrival, the same year, Gen. Lyman died, upon the tract 
of land of which he obtained a grant. His wife died during the pas- 
sage, and his family left there soon after, on the country being reclaimed 
by the Spaniards."* 

Gideon Granger was born in this town, July 19, 1767. " He was 
graduated at Yale College in 1787, and in the following year was ad- 
mitted a member of the bar of the supreme court of Connecticut, where 
he practiced law with great celebrity and distinction. In 1793 he was 
elected a member of the legislature of Connecticut, and was continued 
in that body for several years, and distinguished for energy, talents, and 
usefulness. To his enlightened exertions, this state is principally in- 
debted for its school fund, so justly celebrated as the foundation of its 
primary schools, and the fostering parent of that useful information 
which prevails so generally in the state. In 1801, he. was appointed 
postmaster general of the United States, and continued to execute the 
duties of that important office with great ability, until the spring of 1814, 
when he removed to the state of New York. In April, 1819, he was 
elected a member of the senate of that state, which situation he re- 
signed in 1821, on account of ill health. He died at his seat in Canan- 
daigua, on the 31st of December, 1822. Mr. Granger was a man of 
commanding appearance, of a striking physiognomy, of talents equally 
brilliant and profound, of a kind and benevolent heart, and unimpeach- 
able rectitude. He was an able speaker and a powerful writer. His wri- 
tings were confined almost entirely to political subjects. His principal 
publications were written under the signatures of Algernon Sidney, 
and Epatninondas, in favor of President Jefferson's and Governor 
Clinton's administrations, and of Senectus on the school fund of Con- 
necticut."! 

* Pease and Niles's Gazetteer. 

t Lord's Lempriere's Universal Biography. 



SUFFIELD. Ill 

{c Oliver Phelps, Esq. a man of extraordinary enterprise and exten- 
sive business, was for many years a resident of tins town. He was the 
' maker of his own fortunes.' He was a native of Windsor, but was 
bred in this town, and received a mercantile education. He engaged in 
business in Granville, Mass., and soon became a very enterprising, sa- 
gacious and successful trader. During the Revolutionary war, lie was 
employed by the state of Massachusetts, in the commissary department. 
Whilst in this situation, his transactions were of a most extensive and 
responsible nature, and his own paper formed a kind of circulating me- 
dium. Afterwards he purchased a large estate, and returned to this 
town. In 1789, he, in connection with the Hon. Mr. Gorham, pur- 
chased of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, a tract of land in the 
western part of the state of New York, in what is commonly called the 
Genesee country, comprising 2,200,000 acres. This is probably the 
greatest land purchase, or speculation, ever made by two individuals in 
the United States. This is a very excellent tract of land, having a mild 
climate, a fertile soil, and an abundance of waters, and is now compris- 
ed in the extensive counties of Ontario and Steuben. In 1795, Oliver 
Phelps, together with William Hart and their associates, purchased of 
this state the tract of land in the state of Ohio, called the Western Re- 
serve, comprising 3,300,000 acres. Some years after this, he removed 
to Canandaigua, situated within his Genesee purchase. In 1802, he 
was elected member of Congress from the western district of that state."* 



The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the grave 
yard by the first Congregational church. 

Post Tenebras spero Lucem Felicitatis. Titus Vespn. 

Hope is my Guard and guide thro' this dark night, 
To joys Celestial and Eternal Light. 

Underneath this stone are reposited the remains of Gideon Granger, Esq. who de- 
parted this life suddenly on the 30th Octor. A. D. 1800, in the GGlh year of his age. 

Mr. Granger inherited Originally from Nature, the Essentials of a strong and vigo- 
rous mind ; a Liberal education in the circle of the arts and sciences, opened his Men- 
tal Faculties, and enlarged his understanding: he possessed a fertile Genius, a clear 
and sound Judgment, these Accomplishments qualified him to think, and reason as a 
Philosopher, ami furnished him with Talents to discharge the duties of an active Cit- 
izen with wisdom and discretion, particularly in the department of the Law which 
he made his Professional study, which he practiced with reputation and success: He 
possessed a Generous, Humane, and Benevolent disposition of mind, and a tender 
sensibility of heart: he was the Friend of man. He was firmly attached to the Con- 
stitutional Liberty of his country, to social order and Government. His religion was 
remote from superstition and equally distant from enthusiasm; he rendered to his 
Maker the sincere and undissembled homage of his heart. 

Tryphosa, the wife of Mr. Granger, lies interred by his side : she died 

July 21st, 1796; the following lines are inscribed on her monument. 

" If virtuous deeds, and Love, and Charity, 
Fit us, Great God, to die and dwell with thee; 
If there's a resurrection of the just 
To realms of Peace and Joy, this sleeping dust 
Shall one day, fixt in Fate, awake and rise; 
Mount up, A Form celestial to the Skies, 
Convoy'd by Angels, thro' the airy road, 
By Angels hail'd to that divine abode." 

* Pease and Niles's Gazetteer. 



112 WETHERSFIELI). 



WETHERSFIELD 



Wethersfield was one of the first settled towns in Connecticut. 
It is claimed by some, to be the oldest settlement in the state, as a few 
men from Watertown in Massachusetts, came to Connecticut in 1G34,* 
and erected a few huts at Pyquag, now Wethersfield, where they made 
out to subsist during the winter. The next year, 1635, Dr. Trumbull 
says, " the Watertown people gradually removed and prosecuted their 
settlement at Wethersfield." The probability is, that most of the 
Wethersfield settlers came round from Boston by water, and arrived be- 
fore the Windsor and Hartford settlers, who came through the wilder- 
ness, and did not reach the Connecticut till about the 9th of November. 
This appears probable from the tradition which is still preserved, "that 
the first white woman who ever set foot in Connecticut, was a woman 
by the name of Barber ;" the tradition is, that when the settlers arriv- 
ed at the place where they were to land, some controversy arose who 
should first set foot on the shore. While the men were contending with 
each other for this privilege, a woman by the name of Barber, taking 
advantage of the contention, dextrously sprang forward, and reaching 
the shore, had the honor of first treading on the soil. 

Wethersfield contains three parishes ; Rocky Hill (3d society) on 
the south, Newington (2d society) on the northwest, and Wethersfield 
proper, on the northeast. The township is bounded n. by Hartford, w. 
by Berlin, s. by Middletown, and e. by Connecticut river, which sep- 
arates it from Glastenbury. Extensive and fertile meadows border the 
Connecticut, and a broad and higher level tract, with light but rich soil, 
lies immediately west of the meadows. It is on this tract that the 
pleasant village of Wethersfield is built, four miles south of Hartford, 
Of the three principal streets two run from north to south, one of which 
is very broad and extensive ; the other runs from southeast to northwest, 
along the bank of a large cove which sets up from the Connecticut to 
the north of the village. There are in the village three houses of pub- 
lic worship: 1 Congregational, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist. There is a 
female seminary of some celebrity, established some years since, in the 
village. 

It is said that Mr. Hooker's company first pitched near what is now 
called " the Folly;" the main channel of the river at that time, came 
round by the Cove. Here they found meadows, or lands, as they term- 
ed them, on both sides, but no mill stream ; the main body then return- 
ed to the Little or Mill river in Hartford, and located themselves on both 
sides of that stream. The few settlers that remained near the " Folly" 
afterwards located themselves on Wolcott hill, about one mile westward 
of the main village in Wethersfield, and nearly in a range with Main 
street in Hartford, which is in fair view. Finding this place too far 
from the meadows, the most of the settlers removed to the eastward, to 
where the principal village is now built. 



» Historians do not agree as to the time, some stating it to be 1G34, others 1G35. 
is believed, however, that these men erected their huts in the tall of 1634. 



WETHERSFIELD, 



113 



E.HARTFO Rl) 




REFERENCES. 

A, tract of land over which the bed of the river has passed, now good meadow. B, 
a similar tract on the western side of the present channel of the river, c, Hockamirn 
river, d, boundary line between Hartford and Wethersfield. e, landing. /,situation 
of an ancient fort, g, present Congregational church, h, boundary line between 
Glaslenbury and East Hartford, n, old road to the ferry. 

Connecticut river has altered its course very materially since the first 
settlement of Wethersfield. The diagram annexed shows the extent of 
the changes which have been made. The course of the river which is 
shaded, shows its course at the time when the first settlers arrived : the 
present channel is seen by the dotted lines. From the west bank of 
the cove to the farthest eastern bank of the old channel, is about two 
miles. The tract A contains a number of hundred acres of good land, 
over which the river has gradually passed to its present course, from 
the old channel seen in the diagram, which is now obliterated. The 
town of Wethersfield retaining its old bounds, it will be perceived that 
the tract A, although on the east side of the river, is within the bounds 
of Wethersfield. At Pratt's ferry the present channel crosses the old 
bed of the river, and the river is now constantly advancing eastward; 
and it will be perceived that the tract B is within the limits of Glas- 
tenbury, although on the west side of the Connecticut. The new 
made lands, which are formed as the water recedes, are at first too cold 
and sandy to sustain vegetation : in a short time, however, a growth 
of willows appears, which are succeeded by a growth of poplars ; when 
these are cleared off the land will produce corn, and from this period 
it becomes valuable. 

The changing of the bed of the river has been the occasion of much 
litigation respecting the title to the soil. Mr. Butler, who owned a 

15 



114 WETHERSFIELD. 

tract upon which the river was encroaching, found after a while some 
of his land appearing on the opposite side of the river, and accordingly 
laid claim to it. His claim was disputed, as he never owned land on 
that side of the river. It was a long lime before this case was decided. 
There appeared some difficulty in making the jury who sat on the case 
understand the merits of the question. Mr. Ingersoll, a relative of the 
Ingersoll family in New Haven, was the counsel employed by Mr. But- 
ler. He illustrated the case, by supposing that Mr. 13. had built a cas- 
tle on the land in question. Although the ground on which it stood 
might be overflowed, yet still it was his castle, and also the ground on 
which it stood, and he had a right to his property wherever he could find 
it. The case was finally decided in accordance with these views. — The 
ancient fort referred to by the letter/", stood at the south end of the gar- 
den belonging to Frederick Butler, Esq. ; some of the foundation stones 
are still remaining. In April, 1637, a party of Pecjuots "waylaid the 
people at Wethersfield, as they were going into the fields to labor, and 
killed six men and three women. Two maids were taken captive. 
Besides this they killed twenty cows, and did other damage to the in- 
habitants." The place where these two young women were taken cap- 
tive was about 40 rods east of Mr. Butler's house : one of the young wo- 
men that were taken was of the name of Swain. — It will be perceived 
that a place on the diagram, on the Hartford road, is designated by the 
word " Folly." A small stream here passes the road, which has wash- 
ed down a considerable depth into the clayey soil. This is commonly 
called " Wethersfield Folly ;" it is believed, however, the proper term 
would be " Wethersfield Wisdom." It was occasioned by draining a 
large tract of land (now valuable, which extended up a considerable dis- 
tance towards Hartford, ) of water accumulated by the melting of snow 
and ice, and rains, which rendered it of little or no value. 

This place has long been celebrated for the great quantities of onions 
which are raised here annually, and exported to various parts of the 
United States and the West Indies. The cultivation of this root re- 
quires but a small portion of land, and the labor is principally performed 
by females. 

The State Prison of Connecticut was erected in this town in 1S26, 
and the prisoners from Newgate Prison in Granby were removed here 
the next year. This building is situated on the south margin of the 
Cove, which sets back from Connecticut river, at the north end of Weth- 
ersfield village. The buildings of the prison form very nearly a quad- 
rangle ; on the south side of which stands the building which is more 
properly the Prison. The apartments of the warden are situated in 
the east end of this building ; the center surrounds the block of cells, 4 
stories high, in which the male prisoners are locked up. This hall or 
center, is 154 feet long, 43 feet wide, and 30 feet high ; the number of 
cells or night rooms is 200. The west end is used as the female de- 
partment, (superadded in 1830,) containing cells, rooms for labor, kitchen 
and apartments for the matron. The east, north, and west sides of this 
quadrangle, are formed by a wall 20 feet high. Within this yard are 
situated two ranges of shops ; one on the east side, and one upon the 



W E T H E ItSFIELD 



115 




State Prison, nt Wethersjield. 

west, in which the convicts perform their daily labor. The passage 
into the prison is through the warden's apartment, into the guard room, 
thence into the hall surrounding the cells, thence into the yard. This 
is the only passage, except through a large gate on the north side of 
the yard. 

Rocky Hill, (formerly Stepney,) the south parish of Wethersfield, 
lies on a collection of hills, which are a continuation of the Middletown 
range : one of these eminences, Rocky Hill, has given name to the pa- 
rish. It has a pleasant little village, on an elevated situation, seven 
miles from Hartford, with a landing at some distance, where considera- 
ble commerce and ship building were formerly carried on. 

Newington, the 2d society in Wethersfield, was formerly called Cow 
plain. The village is pleasantly situated in a fertile valley, west of Ce- 
dar mountain : the central part is 6 miles from Hartford, and 4 from 
Wethersfield village. The inhabitants (about 650 in number) are 
chiefly engaged in agriculture, and are distinguished for their general 
intelligence, and attachment to the institutions of morality and religion. 
There are two houses of public worship : 1 Congregational and 1 Meth- 
odist. Newington was settled about 140 years since, by five men from 
Wethersfield, three of whom were of the name of Andrews, who erect- 
ed their house near the center of the place. The two others were of 
the names of Sled and Hunn. Sled built his house where the Academy 
now stands, and Hunn located himself in the north part of the place. 
One of the Andrews built his house a few rods south of the Congrega- 
tional church. This house was used for some time as a fort, around 
which they built a high wall or fence to defend it from the Indians, 
Here they all lodged at night, with their guns in their hands. The In- 
dians were very numerous, and lived principally around a pond in the 
center of the place, from which they obtained an abundance of fish. 
Here was a little city or village of wigwams. These Indians were ever 
friends to the whites ; Sequin was their sachem : they were subject to 
the sachem at Middletown.— The Rev. Elisha Williams was ordained. 



116 



WETHERSFIELD 



the first minister in October, 1722, who removed in 1726, being chosen 
Rector of Yale College. He was succeeded by the Rev. Simon Back- 
us, who died at Cape Breton in 1745, being a chaplain in the army in 
that expedition. — The following pleasant and unusual circumstance is 

said to have taken place in Newington, many years since. Mr. A 

of this place, who was a very religious and conscientious man, married 
for a wife one of the most ill natured and troublesome women which 
could be found in the vicinity. This occasioned universal surprise 
wherever he was known, and one of his neighbors ventured to ask him 
the reasons which governed his choice. Mr. A replied, that hav- 
ing had but little or no trouble in the world, he was fearful of becoming 
too much attached to things of time and sense. And he thought by expe- 
riencing some afflictions, he should become more weaned from the world, 
and that he married such a woman as he thought would accomplish the 
object. The best part of the story is, that the wife, hearing of the rea- 
sons why he married her, was much offended, and out of revenge, be- 
came one of the most pleasant and dutiful wives in the town, declaring 
that she was not going to be made a pack horse, to carry her husband 
to heaven. 



I 







Webb House, in Wethers field. 



The above is a view of the " Webb House," formerly so called. It 
is now occupied by Martin Welles, Esq. It is situated a few rods south 
of the Conoregalional church, in the central part of the village of Weth- 
ersfield, and is distinguished as the house where Gen. Washington made 
his quarters while in Wethersfield, during the council of general oflicers 
of the American and French armies. Within its walls, it is believed 
that the plan was matured, which resulted in the capture of Cornwallis 
at Yorktovvn, and the establishment of American independence. 



The following account of the bloody tragedy of the murder of the 
Beadle family in this town, is annexed to a sermon preached by the 



WETHERSFIELD. 117 

Rev. Jobn Marsh in Wethersfield, Dec. 13th 1782, at the funeral of 
Mrs. Beadle and her children. 

" A letter from a gentleman in Wethersfield to his friend, containing a narrative of 
the life of William Beadle, (so far as it is known,) and the particulars of the mas- 
sacre of himself and Family." 

" Sir, — 'Tis not strange that reports various and contradictory, should have circula- 
ted on so interesting and terrible a subject as that of a man's consigning to the grave 
himself and family, in a moment of apparent ease and tranquillity. The agitation of 
mind which must be the consequence of being near such a scene of horror, will suffi- 
ciently apologize for not answering your request for the particulars ere this. Our 
ignorance of the history of this man. at first precluded a possibility of giving you sat- 
isfaction on this head. Perhaps no one in this town had more favorable opportuni- 
ties of obtaining the particulars of his history : yet I could never induce him to men- 
tion a single syllable relating to his age, paientage, or early occupation. To have 
asked him directly would have been rude, when he evidently meant to be silent on 
these subjects. My conjecture was, that he was the natural s. >n of some gentleman in 
England, and that he had been brought up in or near London, and had been about 
tin- court. Since his d icease I have been able to learn from undoubted authority, that 
he was born in the county of Essex, in a village not very far from London. As to his 
luiMih'ss in youth, I am still left in the dark, but find he has once mentioned to a gentle- 
man, some little incidents which happened to him while in company with his lather, 
and that he very early became acquainted with a club in London, who were Deists, 
where 'tis probable he received the first rudiments in those principles. While in Eng- 
land, where he left a mother and sister, he had a fair character for integrity and hon- 
esty. In the year 1755, he went out to the island of Barbadoes, in the family of 
Charles Pinfold Esq. Governor of that Island, where he tarried six years, then return- 
ed to England, purchased some merchandize, and from thence came to New York in 
the year 17G'3, and immediately removed to Stratford in this State, from thence to Der- 
by, and then to Fairfield, where he married and dwelt lor some years. By this time, 
he had acquired about twelve hundred pounds property, with which he removed to 
this town, about ten years since, where he resided until his death. His business was 
that of retailing ; he formerly credited his goods, but since his residence in this town 
he has refused to give any credit, intending to keep his property within his own reach, 
believing it always secure while his eye was upon it. While here he added consider- 
able to his stock, none of which he ever vested in real estate : the Continental curren- 
cy taught him that wealth could take to itself wings and flyaway: notwithstanding 
all his vigilance. 

" When the war commenced, he had on hand a very handsome assortment of goods 
for a country store, which he sold for the currency of the country, without any ad- 
vance m the price; the money he laid by, waiting and expecting the time would soon 
arrive when he might therewith replace his goods, resolving not to part with it until 
it should be in as good demand as when received by him. His expectations from 
this quarter daily lessening, finally lost all hope, and was thrown into a state little bet- 
ter than despair, as appears from his writing; he adopted a plan of the most rigid 
family economy, but still kept up the outward appearance of his former affluence, and 
ever to the last entertained his friend with his usual decent hospitality although noth- 
ing appeared in his outward deportment, which evinced the uncommon pride of his 
heart ; his writings shew clearly that he was determined not to bear the mortification 
of being thought by his friends poor and dependent. On this subject he expresses him- 
self in the following extraordinary manner: 'If a man, who has once lived well, 
meant well and done well, falls by unavoidable accident into poverty, and then sub- 
mits to be laughed at, despised and trampled on, by a set of mean wretches as far be- 
low him as the moon is below the sun; I say if such a man submits, he must become 
meaner than meanness itself, and I sincerely wish he might have ten years added to 
his natural life to punish him for his folly." 

"He fixed upon the night succeeding the 18th of November for the execution of his 
nefarious purpose, and procured a supper oT oysters, of which the family eat very 
plentifully; that evening he writes as follows: 'I have prepared a noble supper of 
oysters, that my flock and I may eat and drink together, thank God and die.' After 
supper he sent the maid with a studied errand to a friend's house at some distance, di- 
recting her to stay until she obtained an answer to an insignificant letter lie wrote his 
friend, intending she should not return that evening — she did however return, perhaps 
her return disconcerted him and prevented him for that time. The next day he car- 
ried his pistols to a smith for repair ; it may be, the ill condition of his pistols might 
be an additioual reason for the delay. 

"On the evening of the 10th of December some persons were with him at his house 
to whom he appeared as cheerful and serene as usual ; he attended to the little affairs 



118 WETHERSTIELD. 

of his family as if nothing uncommon was in contemplation. The company left him 
about nine o'clock in the evening, when he was urgent as usual for their stay ; wheth- 
er he slept that night is uncertain, but it is believed he went to bed. The children and 
maid slept in one chamber ; in the gray of the morning of the 11th of December he 
went to their bed chamber, awaked the maid and ordered her to rise gently, without 
disturbing the children when she came down stairs, he gave her a line to the family phy- 
sician who lived at the distance of a quaiter of a mile, ordered her to carry it immedi- 
ately, at the same lime declaring that Mrs. Beadle had been ill all night, and directing 
her to stay until the physician should come with her; this he repeated sundry times with 
a degree of ardor. There is much reason to believe he had murdered Mrs. Beadle be- 
fore he awaked the maid. Upon the maid's leaving the house he immediately pro- 
ceeded to execute his purpose on the children and himself. It appears he had for some 
time before, carried to the bedside every night an ax and a carving knife; he smote 
his wife and each of the children with the ax on the side of the head as they lay sleep- 
ing in their beds; the woman had two wounds in the head, the skull of each of them 
was fractured ; he then with the carving knife cut their throats from ear to ear ; the 
woman and little boy were drawn partly over the side of their beds, as if to prevent the 
bedding from being besmeared with blood ; the three daughters were taken from the 
bed and laid upon the floor side by side, like three lambs, before their throats were cut ; 
they were covered with a blanket, and the woman's face with a handkerchief. He 
then proceeded to the lower floor of the house, leaving marks of his footsteps in blood 
on the stairs, carrying with him the ax and knife, the latter he laid upon the table in 
the room where he was found, reeking with the blood of his family. Perhaps he had 
thoughts he might use it against himself if his pistols should fail ; it appears he then 
seated himself in a Windsor chair, with his arms supported by the arms of the chair ; 
he fixed the muzzles of the pistols into his two ears and fired them at the same instant ; 
the balls went through the head in transverse directions. Although the neighbors 
were very near and some of them awake, none heard the report of the pistols. The 
capital facts of the massacre you have seen in the public papers; a minute detail was 
too horrible to be given at first, until the mind (especially of the relatives of the unhap- 
py woman) had been prepared for it by a summary narrative, and even now 'tis 
enough to give feelings to apathy itself to relate the horrid tale. 

" The line to the physician obscurely announced the intentions of the man; fhe house 
was soon opened, but alas, too late ! The bodies were pale and motionless, swimming 
in their blood, their faces white as mountain snow, yet life seemed to tremble on their 
lips ; description can do no more than faintly ape and trifle with the real figure. 

" Such a tragical scene filled every mind with the deepest distress ; nature recoiled 
and was on the rack with distorting passions ; the most poignant sorrow and tender 
pity for the lady and her innocent babes, who were the hapless victims of the brutal 
studied cruelty of an husband and father, in whose embraces they expected to find se- 
curity, melted every heart. Shocking effects of pride and false notions about reli- 
gion ! 

" To paint the first transports this affecting scene produced, when the house was open- 
ed is beyond my reach. — Multitudes of all ages and sexes were drawn together by the 
sad tale. — The very inmost souls of the beholders were wounded at the sight, and torn 
by contending passions: Silent grief, with marks of astonishment were succeeded by 
furious indignation against the author of the affecting spectacle, which vented itself in 
incoherent exclamations. Some old soldiers accidentally passing thro' the town that 
morning, on their way from camp to visit their friends, led by curiosity turned in, to 
view the sad remains ; on sight of the woman and her tender offspring, notwithstand- 
ing all their firmness, the tender sympathetic tear stealing gently down their furrowed 
cheeks, betrayed the anguish of their hearts ; on being shewed the body of the sacrifi- 
cer they paused a moment, then muttering forth an oath or two of execration, with 
their eyes fixed on the ground in silent sorrow, they slowly went their way. So aw. 
ful and terrible a disaster, wrought wonderfully on the minds of the neighborhood ; 
nature itself seemed ruffled, and refused the kindly aid of balmy sleep for a time. 

"Near the close of the day on the 12th of December, the bodies being still unburied, 
the people who had collected in great numbers, grew almost frantic with rage, and in 
a manner demanded the body of the murderer; the law being silent on the subject, it 
was difficult to determine where decency required the body should be placed, many 
proposed it should be in an ignominious manner where four roads met, without any 
coffin or insignia of respect, and perforated by a stake. Upon which a question arose, 
where that place could be found which might be unexceptionable to the neighborhood— 
but no one would consent it should lie near his house or land. After some consultation 
it was thought best to place it on the bank of the river between high and low water 
mark ; the body was handed out of the window and bound with cords on a sled, with 
the clothes on as it was found, and the bloody knife tied on his breast, without coffin or 
box, and the horse he usually rode was made fast to the sled — the horse, unaccustomed 



WE T H ERSFI ELD. 119 

to the draught, proceeded with great unsteadiness, sometimes running full speed, then 
stopping, followed by a multitude, until arriving at the water's edge, the body was 
tumbled into a hole dug for the purpose, like the carcase of a beast. Not many days 
after there appeared an uneasiness in sundry persons at placing the body so near a fer- 
ry much frequented ; some threatenings were given out that the body should be taken 
tip and a second time exposed to view. It was thought prudent it should be removed, 
and secretly deposited in some obscure spot; it was accordingly removed with the ut- 
most secrecy ; notwithstanding which some children accidentally discovered the place, 
and the early freshets partly washed up the body, and it has had a second remove to a 
place where it is hoped mankind will have no further vexation with it. 

" On the 13th of December the bodies of the murdered were interred in a manner 
much unlike that of the unnatural murderer. The remains of the children were borne 
by a suitable number of equal age, attended by a sad procession of youths of the town, 
all bathed in tears; side by side the hapless woman's corpse was carried in solemn 
procession to the parish church yard, followed by a great concourse, who with affec- 
tionate concern and every token of respect were anxious to express their heartfelt sor- 
row in performing the last mournful duties. 

" The person of Mr. Beadle was small, his features striking and full of expression, 
with the aspect of fierceness and determination ; his mind was contemplative, when 
once he had formed an opinion, was remarkably tenacious ; as a merchant or trader, 
he was esteemed a man of strict honor and integrity, and would not descend to any low 
or mean artifice to advance his fortune. He was turned of 52 years of age when he died. 

" Mrs. Beadle was born at Plymouth, in Massachusetts, of reputable parents — a 
comely person, of good address, well bred, and unusually serene, sincere, unafifected 
and sensible ; died in the middle of life, aged 32 years. 

" The children, (the eldest of which was a son, aged 12 years, the other three, 
daughters, the youngest aged 6 years,) were such as cheered the hearts of their pa- 
rents, who were uncommonly fond of displaying their little virtues and excellencies, 
and seemed to anticipate a continuance of growing parental satisfaction; alas, like 
early tender buds nipped by untimely frosts, they did but begin to live ! 

" It is more than probable, that this man had for months past desired that some or all 
of his children might be taken out of the world by accident; he removed all means of 
security from a well near his house, which he was careful heretofore to keep covered. 
His little boy he often sent to swim in the river, and has been heard to chide the child 
for not venturing further into deep water than his fears would suffer him. He has at 
times declared it would give him no pain or uneasiness to follow his children to the 
grave : his acquaintance knew these expressions could not arise from want of affec- 
tion or tenderness for his children, but rather imagined him speaking rashly in jest. 
He ever spoke lightly of death as a bugbear the world causelessly feared. It appears 
from his writings, he at first had doubts whether it was just and reasonable for him to 
deprive his wife of life, and offers against it only this reason, that he had no hand in 
bringing her into existence, and consequently had no power over her life. She set out 
the 7th of November on a journey to Fairfield, which he thought was by direction of 
Heaven to clear him of his doubts and remove her out of the way, at the time the busi- 
ness was to be done ; and his intention was to have executed his design on himself and 
children in her absence. She proceeded no further than New Haven, and by reason 
of some disappointment, returned ten days earlier than expected; he appeared cha- 
grined at her early return, and soon began to invent some justifying reasons for de- 
priving her of life also. He finally concludes it would be unmerciful to leave her be- 
hind to languish out a life in misery and wretchedness, which must be the consequence 
of the surprising death of the rest of the family, and that since they had shared the 
frowns and smiles of fortune together, it would be cruelty to her, to be divided from 
them in death. 

" 'Tis very natural for you to ask, whether it was possible a man could be trans- 
formed from an affectionate husband and an indulgent parent to a secret murderer, 
without some previous alteration, which must have been noticed by the family or ac- 
quaintance. Yet this was the case in this instance : there was no visible alteration in 
his conduct. It appears by his writings that he thought he had a right to deprive him- 
self of life, and intended to exercise that right if ever he should think himself unfor- 
tunate: the extension of this light to his children was very easy. 'Tis probable, the 
principle had grown up gradually to the last stage. Since his death I have seen a let- 
ter he wrote to a friend as early as 1777. in which he has an expression like this — ' I be- 
lieve I and my family shall not live to see the end of the war.' It was then understood 
to mean nothing more than his expectation that the war would continue a long time: 
his late conduct has explained it very differently. Whether Mrs. Beadle had any 
fears of his evil intentions or not, is uncertain: that she had fears some great calamity 
would befall the family is evident, both from what she said, and what he has left in 
wiiting. He writes on the 18th of November, that on the morning of the 17th she 



120 



WETHERSFIELD. 



told him, ' She dreamed lie had wrote many papers, and was earnestly concerned for 
her, and that those papers were spotted with blood; and that she also saw a man 
■wound himself past recovery, and blood guggle, (as she expressed it,) from different 
parts of his body.' In another letter, of a later date, he writes as follows, viz. ' I men- 
tioned before that my wife had a dream concerning this affair ; she has since had two 
more, one of them, that she was suddenly seized and liable to great punishment ; that 
it created great confusion', but she afterwards got free and was happy : from her excel- 
lence of heart, I have no doubt but this will be the case with her. On the thanksgiv- 
ing night she dreamed that her three daughters all lay dead, and that they even froze 
in that situation ; and even yet I am little affected.' 

"The afternoon before this terrible execution, Mrs. Beadle walked abroad to visit 
an acquaintance, and it was observed by the lady she was uncommonly pensive; she 
asked the reason. Mrs. Beadle with much concern told her, ' She had for months been 
troubled with frightful and uncommon dreams, and that very morning she dreamed 
violence had been offered her family, and her children destroyed; she said those 
dreams wrought on her mind to a very great degree ; to divert her thoughts from them 
she had walked abroad that afternoon ; and that she verily believed Providence had 
judgments in store for their family, which he was about to inflict on them by some 
sweeping sickness, or in some other awful manner.' Mr. Beadle, who, as appears by 
his writings, was alone privy to his malevolent intentions, put a very difl'e rent con- 
struction upon her dreams. He doubtless considered them as premonitions from 
Heaven, and convincing proof to him that his purpose was right, of which he says he 
had sundry intimations he really thought from God himself, which he does not describe. 
" From whence those dreams originated, it is impossible to determine ; whether the 
weapons he carried to his bedside gave her uneasiness, and excited a jealousy in her 
mind of his intentions, or whether any of his conduct which fell under her observation 
might be alarming to her, which might trouble her sleep, no one can tell. She has late- 
ly mentioned sundry dreams of a similar nature, which she had near six months since. 
Some great and good characters have thought such intimations were at times given 
from on high, to convince mankind of the reality of the invisible world — to hazard 
such a conjecture in these modern days would perhaps be thought by the learned world 
a great mark of fanaticism — every man must think for himself, no one can pronounce 
with satisfactory certainty with respect to the origin and cause of such thoughts in 
sleep, which so nearly correspond with the true state of facts. Her last dream penned 
by him was nearly literally verified. Although the weather was serene and pleasant 
on the 10th and near full moon, neither the sun or moon were visible from the time 
this horrid deed was done, until the body of this man was laid beneath the clods, which 
redoubled the horror: when suddenly the wind blew from the northwest, dispelled the 
vapors and discovered a cloudless sky. The air grew cold, and the faces of the other 
five being opened to view in their coffins, in front of the meeting house, the concourse 
was so great that much time was spent to give opportunity for all to take a view ; the 
cold still increasing, the bodies in all probability were stiffened with frost. 

" Mr. Beadle left sundry letters directed to his acquaintance, and one labored trea- 
tise in justification of his conduct ; they contain many inconsistencies. He professes 
himself a Deist, but reprobates Atheism. While in life and prosperity, heclaimed to 
be a Christian, and offered two of his children in baptism. Much has been said in fa- 
vor of publishing his writings by those who have not seen them ; those who have pe- 
rused them doubt the propriety of such a measure ; not because his reasonings against 
revelation were in any degree unanswerable, but lest they misrht have some effect on 
weak and melancholy minds. He attempts to attack all rulers in Church and State, 
treats the Christian religion with a great degree of bitterness and bigotry; and yet ab- 
surdly concludes by saying, ' if it is true he shall be saved by it.' He is very unsettled, 
wavering and inconsistent in his own beloved system of Deism. He flatters his pride 
by believing that it was the height of heroism to dare to die by his own hands, and that 
the Deity would not willingly punish one, who was impatient to visit his God and learn 
his will from his own mouth, face to face, in some future world or worlds, (which he 
thinks may be many,) and seems to think there is as great probability of succeeding 
advantageously, in removing from one world to another as from one country or calling 
to another; and seeing all men must he lugged off at last, (as he expresses it,) he was 
determined to make the experiment voluntarily which all must do through necessity. 
As he was much out of temper with the world, he was unwilling any of his family 
should stay behind to encounter its troubles, and since : tisa father's duty to provide for 
his flock, he chose to consign them over to better hands. 

"'Tis doubtful whether any history of modern times can afford an instance of simi- 
lar bai bat ' ■ en in the extreme distress of war. The ancients encouraged by num- 
bers and example, did in hours of despair destroy themselves and families, to avoid 
the shame of becoming captives to be led in triumph, and the cruelty commonly exer- 
cised in those barbarous ages. "Your very humble Servant." 
Wethersficld, February, 1783. 



WETHERSFIELD. 121 

Extracts from the Wether sfield ancient town records. 
Feb. 1652. The townsmen have hired Hvgh Wells to beat the Drvm for one whole 
yeare from the 25th of Aprill from that time twelve month every night and morning for 
the setting of the watch and the ... . off the watch in the morning, and tor to beate 
it every Lords day .... the Lectvre daies and for all other occasions of the townsmen 
shall stand in need for ... . and for the townsmen have promised to pay him fovr 
povnds. 

It was voted that the bell sliovld be rvng noe more to call the Assembly together on 
the Sabbath, and Lectvre days, bvt that the drvm shovld henceforth be beaten at svch 
times 26th day 1660. 

Jvne 12th, 1663. At a town meeting at Wethersfield abovt a minister, it was voted 
whether the towne would hire Mr. Cotton for another yeare, and those that were of 
that mind shovld hold vp their hands, and those that are of the contrary mind hold 
vp yovr hands, and there was no hands holden vp to the contrary. 

April the 2d, (1665-6.) The townsmen agreed with Sargeant John Killbvrne, to 
bvrne the woods belonging to the sovth end of the towne, (viz. the woods betwene vs 
and Middletowne) at svch a time or times as may be most convenient for the advan- 
tage of the towne, and they are. to allow him for his paities, in this work- : six shillings. 
At this time, they allso agreed with Enoch Bvck to bvrne the woods belonging to the 
other end of the "towne, &c 

Jvly 3d, 1676. At the same meeting Mr. Samll. Talcoat, Levt. Jon. Chester, En- 
signe Goodridge, Sarget. Kilbvrne and Sargt. Deming, together with the townsmen 
in being, were impowered to order the silling of all persons in seats and places in the 
meeting hovse. 



Oct. 16. It was voted and agreed by the inhabitants of this towne, that the towne 
shal allow 12s. to every person that shal kill a wolfe in the bovnds of this towne, wh. 
together with, 8s the covnty will be 20s. 



At a towne meeting Lawfvlly assembled in Wethersfield on the 6th day of Jvly, Anno 
Domini 1710; — At this meeting Sergt. Nathll. Stadart and Jabez Whittlesey, were 
chosen to take the oversight of the yovth that sit in the lower part of the meeting hovse, 
viz. all the yovth that sit below, and James Bvtler chosen to have the oversight of the 
y r ovth that sit in the galleries, these persons to have the care and oversight of ym. for 
one year or more, to endeavovr the keeping of ym. in dve order, and that they take 
especial care that said yovth sanctifie the Sabbath and that they make no distvr- 
bence in the time of pvblic worship. 

March 12th, 1706-7. 3 Also yt ye Committee to seat persons in ye meeting shovld 
be chosen by papers and yt 7 of ye highest in nvmber shovld be sd. Committee. The 
7 highest in nvmber, were Deac. Belding, Deac. Talcott, Capt. Robins, Sergt. Saui- 
vel Wright, Mr. James Treat, Lievt. Benjamin Chvrchil, Mr. Edward Bvlkley: also 
voted that ye said committee shovld have ye following Instrvctions, or grovnds of ad- 
vancement, viz. Dignity of Descent: Place of pvblic Trvst ; Piovs disposition and 
behaviovr: Estate : Pecvliar serviceableness in any kind. 



December the 8th, 1665. At a town meeting at Wethersfield, it was voted and 
agreed, that Josiah Willard, shovld teach school for theensving yeare, and that for his 
encovragement therein, the town do engage to allow him six povnds besides what will 
come in, in partievlar by the Scholars, and he to begin the work the 18th of this instant. 

Fvrther it was voted and agreed, that William Morris shovld look after the boys, on 
the Sabbath day. to keep them from playing, and for encovragement, the towne to al- 
low him ten shillings, fvrther he is to give an accovnt of the names of the yovng men, 
that are disorderly. 



Dec. 13th, A. D. 1714. It is also voated at this meeting, that all those who will kill 
old blackbirds shall have one penny pr. head as formerly, and that they are to bring 
them to ye select men that they may ta,ke accovnt of ym. 

Dec. 26th, 169S. The minister's (Mr. Mix,) Rate to be paid in Come at the prices 
following : viz. the best sort of upland winter wheat being clean from all trash : at five 
shillings pr. bvshll. wheat of a meaner sort, at fovr shillings pr. bvsh. Rye at three shil- 
lings pr. bvshll. Indian Corne at two and sixpence per bvshll. 

16 



122 



WETHERSFIELD 



The following inscriptions are upon monuments in the yard by the 



first Congregational Church. 




Here lyes the body or Leonard Chester, Armiger,* late of the town of Bla- 

BY, AND SEVERALL OTHER LORDSHIPS IN LEICESTERSHIRE, DECEASED IN WeTHERSFEILD, 

Anno Domini 1648. Etatis 39. 

The above is copied from one of the oldest monuments in the State. 
The tradition is, that Mr. Chester, who was one of the first settlers of 
Wethersfield, having some business to perform in the south part of the 
town, which was then a wilderness, became lost in the woods. Being 
missed, his neighbors went in search of him, making noises in the woods, 
and uttering lamentations. After a lapse of several days, his neighbors 
had the good fortune to meet with him on a mountain in Berlin, which 
has ever since been called Mount Lamentation. The device which 
appears at the head of the inscription on his monument, has been the 
subject of much speculation. By some it has been believed to be a 
representation of some demon in the form of a fiery flying serpent, 
which according to the legend of the times, appeared to Mr. Chester 
while in the wilderness. Upon examination, however, it appears to 
have been nothing more than a rude attempt to engrave the family coat 
of arms. 

The Beadle family are buried in the northeastern part of the yard. 
The following inscription, said to have been written by the Hon. John 
Davis of Boston, is upon a slab of sandstone, lying horizontally, being 
raised about three feet from the ground by brick work underneath. 

Here lie interred, Mrs. Lydia Beadle, aged 32 years. Ansell, Lothrop, Elizabeth, 
Lvdiaand Mary Beadle, her children. The eldest aged 11 years, the youngest G years. 
Who on the morniDg of the 11th of Dec. A. D. 1782, fell by the hands of William 



* This is a Latin word, equivalent to Esquire. 



WINDSOR. 123 

Beadle, an infuriated man, who closed the horrid sacrifice of his wife and children 
with his own destruction. 

Pale round their grassy tombs bedew'd with tears, 
Flit the thin forms of sorrows and of fears; 
Soft sighs responsive swell to plaintive chords, 
And Indignations half unsheath their swords. 



In memory of Capt. Gideon Welles, of Wethersfield. A person of an engaging 
deportment, — his genius naturally good, was cultivated by reading and intercourse 
with mankind; he had a happy facility in the dispatch of business — punctual and 
faithful in all his dealings — was exemplary in every social, civil and religious duty — 
a blessing to mankind. He rests not here, but in returning from the West Indies, he 
suddenly sickened and died, Feb. 11th, A. D. 1795, aged 39 years. 

The bosom of devouriug seas, entombs my mould'ring dust, 

There life and all my active powers, are in a moment lost. 

In kind remembrance of my love, my friends will not refuse to weep — 

My hand would once have dry'd your tears — but now lies buried in the deep. 

Yet weep in hope, my bones are safe wrapt in the unchain'd decree, 

The trump that wakes the dead on earth, shall call me from the sea. 



This stone, erected by the State, is in memory of Ezra Hoskins, aged 06, whose re- 
mains lie beneath it. In an insurrection of convicts, he was inhumanly killed on the 
nigfht following the 30th of April, 1833, at midnight on duty as a patroie, in the State 
Prison. He ended an useful and inoffensive life, by a most tragical death. 



WINDSOR 



Windsor was the first town in Connecticut in which any English set- 
tlement was made. This was in 1633, when William Holmes and 
others erected a house at the mouth of Farmington river. The town, 
which originally comprised an extensive tract, is now bounded n. by 
Suffield, w. by Bloomfield, Simsbury and Granby, s. by Bloomfield 
and Hartford, and e. by Connecticut river. It is 8£ miles in length 
from north to south ; at the north part the town is 6 miles in breadth, at 
the south part 3 miles. Farmington river, the largest tributary stream 
of the Connecticut, passes through the central part of the town. Wind- 
sor is generally of a level surface, having some extensive tracts of plains, 
and the other parts are of an undulating character. The soil is various, 
but generally fertile, and free from stone. There are two societies, 
Windsor proper, and Poquannoc. There are three houses for worship, 
2 for Congregationalists, and 1 for Methodists. In the town there 
are 4 paper mills, 1 Kentucky jean factory, 2 for cotton batting, 1 wire 
and 1 satinet factory. Ship plank is manufactured at a village of 
about 20 houses, at the Windsor Locks, where the canal commences 
which runs by Enfield falls. This place, called Pine Meadow, is op- 
posite Warehouse Point in East Windsor. Almost all the inhabitants 
in the first society live on a single street, which runs parallel with the 
river. The present number of inhabitants is believed to be about 
1,900. 



124 



WINDSOR 




South view of the Congregational Church, l\ indsor. 

The above is a south view of the Congregational church, and the 
bridge, upon Mr. Town's plan, which crosses the Farmington river at 
this place. A pleasant grove stands upon the south bank of the river ; 
a few of the trees are seen in the engraving. The north bank, on 
which the church stands, is considerably elevated. In time of freshet, 
vessels of considerable size can come up as far as the bridge. 

One of the first ships which came over to New England in 1630, 
brought over the Rev. Mr. John Wareham, Mr. John Maverick, Mr. 
Rossiter, Mr. Ludlow, Mr. Henry Wolcott, and others of Mr. Ware- 
ham's church and congregation, who first settled the town of Windsor. 
This was considered an honorable company. Mr. Rossiter and Air. 
Ludlow were magistrates ; Mr. Wolcott had a great estate, and was a 
man of superior abilities. Mr. Wareham had been a celebrated minister 
in Exeter, the capital of the county of Devonshire. The people who 
came with him were from the counties of Devonshire, Dorsetshire and 
Somersetshire. 

This company sailed from Plymouth, and arrived at Nantasket on the 
30th of May. The next day the master of the ship left them and then- 
goods on Nantasket point, to shift for themselves. By the assistance 
of the old planters, they proceeded up Charles river to Watertown, but 
as they had many cattle, and finding a neck of land at Mattapan, where 
there were good accommodations for them, they soon removed there, 
and began a settlement, which they named Dorchester. 

In 1631, Wahquimacut, an Indian sachem, living near Connecticut 
river, made a journey to Plymouth and Boston, and earnestly entreated 
the governors of each of the colonies to send men to make settlements 
on the river. He represented the fruitfulness of the country, and prom- 
ised the English, that if they would make a settlement, he would annu- 
ally supply them with corn, and give them eighty beaver skins. 



WINDSOR. 1 25 

The governor of Massachusetts, although he treated the sachem and 
his company with generosity, paid no attention to his proposals. Mr. 
Winslow, the governor of Plymouth, judged it worthy of attention. It 
seems that soon after that, he went into Connecticut, and discovered 
the river and the adjacent parts. It appeared that the earnestness with 
which the sachem solicited the English to make settlements on the 
river, originated from the distressed state of the river Indians. Pekoath, 
the great sachem of the Pequots, was at war with them and driving 
them from the country, and they imagined that if the English made set- 
tlements on the river, they would assist them in defending themselves 
against their too powerful enemies. 

Governor Winslow being pleased with the appearance of the country, 
the Plymouth people made preparations for erecting a trading house, 
and establishing a small company upon the river. In 1633, William 
Holmes, with his associates, having prepared the frame of a house, with 
boards and materials for covering it immediately, put them on board of 
a vessel and sailed for Connecticut. Holmes lauded and erected his 
house a little below the mouth of the Little or Farmington river, in 
Windsor. The house was covered with the utmost dispatch, and for- 
tified with palisadoes. The sachems who were the original owners of 
the soil having been driven away by the Pequots were brought back by 
Holmes' vessel. The Plymouth people purchased of them the land 
on which they erected their house. This, Governor Wolcott says, was 
the first house erected in Connecticut.* The Dutch about the same 
time built their trading house at Hartford. 

In June, 1631, the Dutch sent Jacob Van Curter to purchase lands 
on the Connecticut. He made a purchase of about twenty acres at 
Hartford, of Nepuquash, a Pequot captain, on the 25th of October. 
Curter protested against Holmes, the builder of the Plymouth house. 
Some time afterwards, the Dutch governor, Van Twiller, of Fort Am- 
sterdam, sent a reinforcement to Connecticut, in order to drive Holmes 
from the river. A party of seventy men under arms, with banners 
displayed, assaulted the Plymouth house, but they found it so well for- 
tified, and the men who kept it so vigilant and determined, that it could 
not be taken without bloodshed. They therefore came to a parley, 
and finally returned in peace. 

A number of Mr. Wareham's people came, in the summer of 1635, 
to Connecticut, and made preparations to bring their families and make 
a permanent settlement. After having made such preparations as they 
judged necessary, they began to remove their families and property. 
"On the 15th of October, about sixty men, women and children, with 
their horses, cattle and swine, commenced their journey from Massa- 

* This house stood about two miles southeast of the first Congregational church, 
on the river bank, about twenty rods from a point of land extending down the river, 
near the western shore. It was at this place that the Farmington or Windsor river 
entered the Connecticut. The mouth of the river is now about sixty rods above. 
This was changed by Governor Wolcott's cutting a channel for a ferry-boat across 
the point of land mentioned above. This channel has become so much enlarged that 
it is now the main channel of the river. The meadow lying in the vicinity of where 
this house stood, is to this day called the Plymouth Meadow. 



126 WINDSOR. 

chusetts, through the wilderness, to Connecticut river. After a tedious 
and difficult journey, through swamps and rivers, over mountains and 
rough grounds, which were passed with great difficulty and fatigue, they 
arrived safely at the places of their respective destination. They were 
so long on their journey, and so much time and pains were spent in 
passing the river, and in getting over their cattle, that after all their ex- 
ertions, winter came upon them before they were prepared." 

By the 15th of November, Connecticut river was frozen over, and 
the snow was so deep, and the weather so tempestuous, that a conside- 
rable number of the cattle could not be brought across the river. The 
severity of the season was such, and so little time to prepare their huts 
and shelters for their cattle, that the sufferings of man and beast were 
extreme. They had shipped their household furniture, and most of their 
provisions at Boston, but by reason of delays, and the tempestuousness 
of the season, were either cast away or did not arrive in season. 

About the beginning of December, provisions generally failed in the 
settlements on the river, and famine and death looked the inhabitants in 
the face. In their distress, some of them in this severe season attempt- 
ed to go through the wilderness, to the nearest settlement in Massachu- 
setts. A company of thirteen, who made the attempt, lost one of their 
number, who, in passing a river, fell through the ice and was drowned. 
The other twelve were ten days on their journey, and had they not re- 
ceived assistance from the Indians, would all have perished. Such was 
the general distress by the 3d and 4th of December, that a considerable 
part of the settlers were obliged to leave their habitations. Seventy 
persons, men, women and children, were obliged in the severity of win- 
ter, to go down to the mouth of the river to meet their provisions, as 
the only expedient to preserve their lives. Not meeting the vessels 
which they expected, they all went on board of the Rebecca, a vessel 
of about 60 tons. This vessel, two days before, was frozen in, twenty 
miles up the river; but by the falling of a small rain, and the influence 
of the tide, the ice became so broken, that she made a shift to get out. 
She however ran upon the bar, and the people were forced to unlade 
her to get her off. She was reladed, and in five days reached Boston. 
Had it not been for these providential circumstances, the people must 
have perished from famine. 

The people who remained and kept their stations on the river, suf- 
fered in an extreme degree. After all the help they were able to ob- 
tain, by hunting and from the Indians, they were obliged to subsist on 
acorns, malt and grains. The cattle, which could not be got over the 
river before winter, lived by browsing in the woods and meadows. They 
wintered as well, or better, than those that were brought over, and for 
which all the provision was made, and care taken, of which the settiers 
were capable. A great number of the cattle, however, perished. The 
Dorchester or Windsor people lost, in this species of property, about 
two hundred pounds sterling. Upon the breaking up of winter, and 
during the summer following, the settlers came in large companies, and 
the settlements at Windsor, Hartford and Wethersfield were firmly es- 
tablished. 



WINDSOR. 



127 



The original boundaries of the town of Windsor were very extensive, 
being about forty six miles in circumference, lying on both sides of 
Connecticut river. Within the limits of the town, there were ten dis- 
tinct tribes or sovereignties. About the year 1670, it was estimated 
that there were in the town nineteen Indians to one Englishman. They 
had a large fort, a little north of the plat on which the first meeting house 
was erected ; but, in the language of Ossian, 

" The chiefs of other times are departed. They have gone without their fame." 
Another race has arisen. " The people are like the waves of the ocean : like the 
leaves of woody Morven, they pass away in the rustling blast, and other leaves lift 
their green heads on high." 

" For several years after the settlement of Windsor, the people were 
harassed with wars. Such was the fear which agitated the minds of 
the inhabitants, that they repaired to a fortress nights, and slept with 
their arms by their side, and used to go to labor in the fields in compa- 
nies, prepared for battle. It was the common practice on the Lord's 
day to go to meeting armed." 

The following is a list of the names of the settlers of Windsor, which 
appear on the records of the town in 1640. 



Henry Wolcott, Esq. George Phelps, 
William Phelps, Thomas Ford, 
John Whitefield, Edward Griswold, 
Humphrey Pinney, John Bissell, 
Deacon John Moorej^Thomas Holcomb, 
Deac. Win. Gaylord, Daniel Clark,^ 
Lieut. Walter Filer, Peter Tilton, 



Matthew Grant, 
-Thomas Dibble, 
Samuel Phelps, 
•Nathan Gillet, 
Richard Vore, 
Abraham Randall, 
Bigot Eglestone, 



Messrs. — Newberry, 
Roger Ludlow, Esq. 
Joseph Loomis, 
John Loomis, 
John Porter, 
William Hill, 
James Marshall, 



John Taylor, 
Eltwed Pomeroy, 
William Hosford, 
Aaron Cook, 
Elias Parkman, 
Thomas Su-nghton, 
Owen Tudor, 
Capt. John Mason, 
Matthew Allen, 
Richard Oldage, 
•Henry Stiles, 
William Hayden, 
George Philips, 
Return Strong, 



John Hillyer, 
Thomas Barber, -~ 
Nicolas Palmer, 
Thomas Buckland, 
Isaac Shelden, 
Robert Watson, 
Stephen Terry, 
Bray Rosseter, 
Thomas Dewey, 
William Hurlburt, 
Roger Williams, 
Thomas Bascomb, 
Nicolas Denslow, 
Thomas Thornton. 



The Rev. John Wareham, the first minister at Windsor, died April 
1st, 1670. " He was about forty years minister in New England; 6 
at Dorchester, and 34 at Windsor. He was distinguished for his piety, 
and the strictest morals ; yet at times was subject to great gloominess 
and religious melancholy. Such were his doubts and fears, at some 
times, that when he administered the Lord's supper to his brethren, he 
did not participate with them, fearing that the seals of the covenant did 
not belong to him. It is said that he was the first minister in New 
England who used notes in preaching, yet he was applauded by his 
hearers, as one of the most animated and energetic preachers of his day. 
He was considered as one of the principal fathers and pillars of the 
church of Connecticut." — In 1639, the Rev. Ephraim Huit was in- 
stalled as Teacher to the church at Windsor, over which Mr. Wareham 
was pastor. At this period, it was the opinion of the principal divines 
in New England, that in every church completely organized, there should 
be a pastor, teacher, ruling elder, and deacons. It was the general opin- 



128 WINDSOR. 

ion, that the pastor's work consisted principally in exhortation ; but the 
teacher's business was to teach, explain and defend the doctrines of 
Christianity. 

Roger WoJcott, governor of Connecticut, was born in this town, 
January 4th, 1679. " His parents lived in a part of the country which 
suffered much from the Indians, and in the town there was neither a 
schoolmaster nor minister, so that Mr. Wolcott was not a member of a 
common school for a single day in his life. When he was twelve years 
of age, he was bound as an apprentice to a mechanic. At the age of 
twenty one, when the laws permitted him to enjoy the fruits of his la- 
bors, he established himself on the east side of Connecticut river, in the 
same town in which he was born, where, by the blessings of God upon 
his industry and frugality, he acquired what was considered as a plenti- 
ful fortune. He is an eminent proof of the power of talents and integ- 
rity, in a free country, in raising one to distinction, notwithstanding the 
disadvantages of education and of birth. He rose by degrees to the 
highest military and civil honors. In the expedition against Canada, in 
1711, he was commissary of the Connecticut forces, and at the capture 
of Louisbourg, in 1745, he bore the commission of major general. He 
was successively a member of the assembly and of the council, judge of 
the county court, deputy governor, chief judge of the superior court, 
and from 1751 to 1754, governor. He died May 17th, 1767, in the 
eighty ninth year of his age. In all his exaltation above his neighbors, 
he exhibited no haughtiness of deportment, but was easy of access, free 
and affable, of ready wit and great humor. His literary attainments 
were such, that in conversation with the learned upon most subjects he 
secured respect. He was much attached to the peculiar doctrines of 
the gospel, and was for many years a member of a Christian church. 
From the year 1754, when his life was more retired, he devoted him- 
self particularly to reading, meditation and prayer. He was very care- 
ful in searching into himself, that he might perceive his own character, 
and know whether he was rescued from that depravity, to which previ- 
ously to the renewing agency of the divine Spirit the human mind is 
subjected, and whether he was interested in the salvation of the gospel. 
In his last moments he was supported by the hopes of the Christian, 
and he entered into his rest. He published poetical meditations, with 
a preface by Mr. Bulkley of Colchester, in 1725 ; and a letter to Mr. 
Hobart in 1761, entitled the new English Congregational churches are 
and always have been consociated churches, and their liberties greater 
and better founded in their platform, agreed upon at Cambridge in 1648, 
than in the agreement at Saybrook in 1708. Along poem, written by 
Governor Wolcott, entitled, A brief Account of the Agency of John 
Winthrop in the Court of Charles II. in 1662, in procuring the Charter 
of Connecticut, is preserved in the Collections of the Historical Society. 
It describes with considerable minuteness the Pequot war."* 



* Allen's American Biographical and Historical Dictionary. 



WINDSOR. 



129 




S. TV. view of Judge Ellswortti s HouscV Windsor. 

The above is a southwestern view of Judge Ellsworth's house, near 
the spot where he was born, about a mile north of the Congregational 
church. The elms appearing in front of the house were set out by 
his hand. An ancient cedar, about seven feet in girth, which was 
standing in the forest at the time Windsor was first settled, is still stand- 
ing a few feet north of the house. 

"Oliver Ellsworth, LL. D., Chief Justice of the United States, was 
born 29th of April, 1745, and was graduated at New Jersey college in 
1766. Devoting himself to the practice of law, he soon rose by the ex- 
traordinary energy of his mind and force of his eloquence, to distin- 
guished eminence. In 1777 he was elected a delegate to the continen- 
tal congress, and in 1784 appointed a judge of the superior court of 
Connecticut. He held a seat in the convention which formed the con- 
stitution of the United States, and was one of the most conspicuous and 
useful in that assembly, illustrious for learning, talents, and patriotism. 
On the organization of the federal government in 17S9, he was elected 
a member of the senate, and continued in the office till he was appointed 
in 1796, chief judge of the supreme court of the United States. After 
discharging the duties of that station with great credit to his legal sci- 
ence, integrity, and eloquence, for near four years, he was appointed, to- 
wards the close of 1799, envoy extraordinary to France. The decline 
of his health disqualifying him for the duties of his office as judge, he 
resigned it toward the end of the year 1800. After his return to Con- 
necticut, he was again elected into the council of that state, and ap- 
pointed chief justice of the supreme court. He however declined the 
latter office, and soon after died, November 26th, 1807, greatly regret- 
ted, as in his life he had been admired for his extraordinary endowments, 
his accomplishments as an advocate, his integrity as a judge, his patri- 

17 



130 



WINDSOR, 



otism as a legislator and ambassador, and his exemplariness as a Chris- 
tian."* 

50 



Palezado 

FLOTT. 













s 




Town 

llOUSA 




1 


Grant 


Cap* 




UiWxy 








Dille 


T.Parsdns 


4 


Fliilujjs 


W.Gaylord 


MTClarJc 


Marshel 








Buryiny 
place 






Fyl.f 
Strum/ 1 




L 


K Wil 


ten 







Rivulet. 60 

Plan of the ancient Palisado Plot in Windsor. 

The above plan was copied from a larger one in the ancient records 
of the town of Windsor. The book from which it is taken, entitled 
" A book of Towne Wayes in Windsor" appears to have been first 
written in 1654. The present first Congregational church in Windsor, 
(a view of which is given at page 124,) is situated, it is believed, near 
the southeast corner of the lot marked D. Wilson. Some remains of 
the ditch, which, it is believed, was excavated outside of the palisadoes, 
is still visible, running along near the summit of the hill which forms 
the north bank of the Windsor or Farmington river, and passing within 
a few feet of the church. The following is extracted from the record 
mentioned above. 

" 26th. To return again to the Common wayes from the ferry at the 
rivulet, it ascends up upon the side of the bank to the house that was 
Capt. Mason's, and bounds west by the fence that was John Strong's — 
on the top of the bank, and east by Samuel Marshall's at the foot of the 
bank, and then turns to the gate, and is to be three rods in breadth be- 
twixts John Strong's garden on the south, and Henry Clark's on the 
north. And seeing I am intered into the pallasadow, I will speak a 
little of the original of it: about 1637 years, when the English had war 
with the Pequot Indians ; our inhabitants on Sandy bank gathered them- 
selves nearer together from their remote dwellings, to provide for their 
safety, set upon fortyfying, and with palazado, which some particular 



Lord's Lempricre's Universal Biography. 



WINDSOR. 131 

men resigned up out of their properties for that end, and was laid out 
into small parcells, to build upon ; some 4 rods in breadth, some five, 
six, seven, some eight — it was set out after this manner: {Here in the 
record the foregoing plan is inserted.) These building places were at 
first laid out of one length, that was sixteen rods, but differ as afores'. 1 
Also on all sides within the outmost fence, there was left two rods in 
breadth for a common way, to go round within side the Palazado, and 
when divers men left their places and returned to their lotts for their 
conveniences, some that staid, (by consent of the town,) enlarged their 
gardens. Some had 2, some 3, some 4 plats to their propriety, with 
the use of the two rods in breadth round the outside, every one according 
to his breadth, only with this reserve concerning the two rods, that if in 
future time there be need of former fortification, to be repaired, that then 
each man should resign up the two afores d two Rods for a way onley 
for common use. — Note, that in the west corner of the afores'! plott 
there is reserved for a common Burying Ground, one particular par- 
cel that is six rods in breadth, all the length on one side, and one end 
take it together, it is eight rod in breadth, and eighteen in length." 

" There goeth out of the palazado towards northwest a highway 
two rods wide ; when past the house plotts it is larger. Also from the 
Palazado, runs a way north easterly, called the common street, and is 
to be four rods wide. 



The following are extracts from ancient newspapers. 

We hear from Poquonnuck, a parish in the western part of Windsor, that about 
half an acre of the surface of the ground there has lately sunk or fallen to a consid- 
erable depth below the common surface or level; not unlike to what is frequently oc- 
casioned by earthquakes, though attended with no eruptions, either of water oi fire; 
for which event no natural cause has as yet been assigned. And it is more unaccount- 
able, as the ground that is sunk was not contiguous to, or bordering upon any precipice 
or declivity, nor adjacent to any collection of water that should occasion it to sink. — 
Connecticut Journal, June 22d, 1770. 



Hartford, Feb. 21th, 1767. 
One night last week, a panther having killed nine sheep in a yard at Windsor, the 
owner of the sheep, one Mr. Phelps, the next morning followed the panther by his 
track into a thicket about half a mile from his house, and shot him. He was brought 
to this town, and the bounty of five pounds allowed by law, was paid for his head. — 
New London Gazette, No. 172. 



The following singular entry appears in the ancient records of the 
town of Windsor. 

Aug. 11th, 1659. — Mr. John Drake, Senr. dyed accidentally, as he was driving a cart 
loaded with corn to carry from his house to his son Jacob's. The cattle being two 
oxen and his mare, in the highway against John Griffin's, something scared the cattle, 
and they set a running, and he laboring to stop them, by taking hold on the mare, was 
thrown upon his face, and the cart whecle went over him, and broke one of his legs, 
and bruised his body so that he was taken up dead; being carried into his daughter's 
house, had life come again, but dyed in a short time, and was buried on the 18th dav 
of August; 59. 



13-2 



W 1NDSO R 



The following inscriptions are from monuments in the buryinggro und 
back of the first Congregational church, the first of which is helieved to 
be the oldest inscription on any monument in this state. 

Heere lyeth Epiii! mm H\ it, sometimes Teacher to ye chvrcii of Windsor, who 
dyed September -1th, 1644. 

Who when her lived wee drew ovr vitall breath, 
Who when iif.e dyed his dying was ovr death, 
Who was ye stay of state, ye chvrches staff, 

AlaS, THE TIME.--: FORBID A.N EPITAPH. 




Here vnder lyeth the body of Henry Wolcot, sometimes a M.mestrate of 
this Ivrisdiction, who dyed y e 30th day of May', a < Salvtis 1(>55, 

Aono {Aetatis77. 

The above is a representation of the monument of the first Henry 
Wolcott, and a copy of the inscription on its side. The monument was 
made by his son-in-law, Matthew Griswold, ancestor of the Griswold 
family in Lyme. He was a stone-cutter by trade, previous to bis leav- 
ing England.* 



Here lyeth the body of the Hon. Roger Wolcott, Esq. of Windsor, who for several 
years was Governor of the Colony of Connecticut, died May 17th, « $ iEtatis 89, 

Anno )Salutisl767 
Earth's highest station ends in " Here he lies," 
And "dust to dust" concludes her noblest song. 



To the memory of Oliver Ellsworth, LL. D,, an assistant in the Council, and a judge 
of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut. A member of the Convention 
which formed, and of the State Convention of Connecticut, which adopted the Con- 
stitution of the U. Stales. — Senator and Chief Justice of the United States; one of the 
Envoys extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary, who made the convention of 
1800 between the United States and the French Republic. Amiable and exemplary 
in all the relations of ihe domestic, social and christian character. Pre-eminently 
useful in all the offices he sustained, whose great talents under the guidance of inflexi- 
ble integrity, consummate wisdom, and enlightened zeal, placed lum among the first 
of the illustrious statesmen who achieved the independence, and established the inde- 
pendence of" the American Republic. — Born at Windsor April 29th, 1745, and died 
Nov. 20, 1807. 



* MSS. in possession of Judge Griswold, of Lyme. 



133 



NEW HAVEN COUNTY 



New Haven County is bounded n. by Litchfield and Hartford 
Counties, e. by Middlesex County, s. by Long Island Sound, and w. 
by Litchfield County and the Housatonic river, which separates it from 
Fairfield County. Its average length from east to west is about 26 miles, 
and its width from north to south 21 miles; containing 540 square miles, 
or 345,600 acres. This county, lying on Long Island Sound, has a 
very extensive maritime border, but its foreign trade is chiefly confined 
to New Haven harbor. Its fisheries of oysters and clams, and other 
fish, are valuable. It is intersected by several streams, none of them 
of very large size, but of some value for their water power and fish. 
Of these the principal are the Pomperaug and Naugatuc, on the west ; 
the Quinnipiac, Menunkatuc, West and Mill rivers, on the east. 
The Quinnipiac is the largest, and passes through extensive meadows. 
The county is intersected centrally by the New Haven and Northamp- 
ton Canal, which passes through this county from north to south. There 
is a great variety of soil in this county, as well as of native vegetable and 
mineral productions. The range of secondary country which extends 
along Connecticut river as far as Middletown, there leaves that stream, 
crosses into this county, and terminates at New Haven. This inter- 
section of the primitive formation by a secondary ridge, affords a great 
variety of minerals, and materials for different soils. Considerable tracts 
en the mountains and sandy plains are of little value. This county con- 
tains the largest city in the state, one of its capitals, a seaport with pret- 
ty extensive trade, and one of the most beautiful towns in the Union. 
The manufacturing business in this county is carried on to a considera- 
ble extent., and is yearly increasing. 

The following is a list of the several towns in the county, with the 
population according to the census of 1830 : 



New Haven 


- 10,678 


Madison - - 


1,809 


Oxford - - 


1,763 


Bethany - 


- 1,049 


Meriden - - 


1,708 


Prospect - - 


651 


Bran ford - 


- 2,332 


Middlebury - 


816 


Southbury 


1,557 


Cheshire - 


- 1,780 


Milford - - 


2,256 


Wallingford - 


2,418 


Derby 


- 2,253 


North Branford 




Waterbury 


3,070 


East Haven 


- 1,229 


North Haven 


1,284 


Wolcott - - 


843 


Guilford - 


- 2,344 


Orange - - 


1,341 


Woodbridge - 


1,000 


Hamden - 


- 1,669 











Population of the county in 1820, 39,616 ; in 1830, 43,847. 



134 NEW HAVEN. 



NEW HAVEN. 



The local situation of New Haven appears to have been known to 
the Dutch some years before the arrival of the English settlers ; they 
designated the place by the name of" lied Mount." It was doubtless 
so called from the appearance of the East and West Rocks near the 
place. Its Indian name was Quinnipiac, which name was given to 
the river forming the eastern boundary of the township, and now com- 
monly called Wallingford river; to the adjacent country, and to the 
tribe by which it was inhabited. The Quinnipiacs have long since 
been extinct : they dwelt in the summer on the shore, for the conven- 
ience of fishing ; and in the winter, in the forests, for the convenience of 
fuel. 

They had a place for powwowing in East Haven, about three quar- 
ters of a mile east of the harbor bridge. The spot was formerly a 
swamp, and is now a meadow. 

Charles, the last sachem of this tribe, died about one hundred years 
ago. He was frozen to death near a spring, about one mile north of 
the Congregational church in East Haven. 

They are said to have had neither marriages nor divorces. 

They caught round clams with their feet, and taught the English to 
catch them in this manner. 

The Indian arrow-heads, frequently found here, are exactly like some 
which have been brought from Cape Horn. 

At Fort Hill, or, as it is now called, Beacon Hill, there was formerly 
an Indian fort, and an Indian burying ground, on the eastern side of the 
hill. The name of this spot was formerly Indian Hill. — The above is 
about all the account we have of the original inhabitants. 

On the 2Gth of July, 1637, Mr. John Davenport, Mr. Samuel Eaton, 
Theophilus Eaton, and Edward Hopkins, Esq. 's, Mr. Thomas Gregson, 
and many others of good characters and fortunes, arrived at Boston. 
Mr. Davenport had been a celebrated minister in the city of London, 
and was a distinguished character for piety, learning and good conduct. 
Many of his congregation, on account of the esteem which they had for 
his person and ministry, followed him into New England. Mr. Eaton 
and Mr. Hopkins had been merchants in London, possessed great es- 
tates, and were men of eminence for their abilities and integrity. The 
fame of Mr. Davenport, the reputation and good estates of the principal 
gentlemen of this company, made the people of Massachusetts exceed- 
ingly desirous of their settlement in that commonwealth. Great pains 
were taken, not only by particular persons and towns, but by the general 
court, to fix them in the colony. Charlestown made them large offers; 
and Newbury proposed to give up the whole town to them. The gen- 
eral court offered them any place which they should choose. But 
they were determined to plant a distinct colony. By the pursuit of 
the Pequots to the westward, the English became acquainted with that 
fine tract along the shore, from Say brook to Fairfield, and with its sev- 
eral harbors. It was represented as fruitful, and happily situated for 



NEW HAVEN. 135 

navigation and commerce. They therefore projected a settlement in 
that part of the country. 

In the fall of 1637, Mr. Eaton and others, who were of the company, 
made a journey to Connecticut, to explore the lands and harbors on the 
sea coast. They pitched upon Quinnipiac for the place of their settle- 
ment. They erected a poor hut, in which a few men subsisted through 
the winter: this was at the corner of Church and George streets. 

On the 30th of March, 1638, Mr. Davenport, Mr. Prudden, Mr. 
Samuel Eaton, and Theophilus Eaton, Esq., with the people of their 
company, sailed from Boston for Quinnipiac. In about a fortnight 
they arrived at their desired port. On the 18th of April they kept 
their first Sabbath in the place. The people assembled under a large 
spreading oak,* and Mr. Davenport preached to them from Matthew 
vi. 1. He insisted on the temptations of the wilderness, made such ob- 
servations, and gave such directions and exhortations, as were pertinent 
to the then present state of his hearers. He left this remark, that he 
enjoyed a good day. The settlers first began to build on George street 
and the opposite hill, between which small vessels then passed, in a 
creek which for many years has been filled up. Their first houses were 
commodious, of two stories. 

One of the principal reasons which these colonists assigned for their 
removal from Massachusetts was, that they should be more out of the 
way and trouble of a general governor of New England, who at this time 
was an object of great fear in all the plantations. 

Soon after they arrived at Quinnipiac, in the close of a clay of fast- 
ing and prayer, they entered into what they termed a plantation cove- 
nant. In this they solemnly bound themselves, " that as in matters that 
concern the gathering and ordering of a church, so also in all public 
offices which concern civil order, as the choice of magistrates and offi- 
cers, making and repealing laws, dividing allotments of inheritance, and 
all things of like nature, they would all of them be ordered by the rules 
which the scripture held forth to them." This was adopted as a gene- 
ral agreement, until there should be time for the people to become more 
intimately acquainted with each other's religious views, sentiments and 
moral conduct ; which was supposed to be necessary, to prepare the way 
for covenanting together as Christians, in church state. 

The planters of Quinnipiac determined to make an extensive settle- 
ment ; and, if possible, to maintain perpetual peace and friendship with 
the Indians. They therefore paid an early attention to the making of 
such purchases and amicable treaties, as might most effectually answer 
their designs. 

On the 14th of November, 1638, Theophilus Eaton, Esq., Mr. Dav- 
enport, and other English planters, entered into an agreement with 
Momauguin, sachem of that part of the country, and his counsellors,,, 
respecting the lands. The articles of agreement are to this effect : 

That Momauguin is the sole sachem of Quinnipiac, and had abso- 
lute power to aliene and dispose of the same : that in consequence of 

* This tree was situated near the corner of George and College streets; both New 
Haven and Milford churches were formed under it. — Dr. Dana's Sermon, 1801. 



136 



N K W II A V I". N 



the protection be had tasted, by the English, from the Pequots and 
Mohawks,* he yielded up all his right, title and interest, to all the land, 
rivers, ponds and trees, with all the liberties and purtenances belong- 
ing to the same, unto Theophilus Eaton, John Davenport and others, 
their heirs and assigns forever. He covenanted, that neither he nor 
his Indians would terrify or disturb the English, or injure them in any 
of their interests ; but that, in every respect, they would keep true faith 
with them. 

The English covenanted to protect Momauguin and his Indians, 
when unreasonably assaulted and terrified by either of the other In- 
dians ; and that they should always have a sufficient quantity of land to 
plant on, upon the east side of the harbor, f between that and Saybrook 
fort. They also covenanted, that by way of free and thankful retribu- 
tion, they gave unto the said sachem and his council and company, 
twelve coats of English cloth, twelve alchymy spoons, twelve hatchets, 
twelve hoes, two dozen of knives, twelve porringers, and four cases of 
French knives and scissors. 

This agreement was signed and legally executed, by Momauguin and 
his council on the one part, and Theophilus Eaton and John Davenport 
on the other. Thomas Stanton, who was the intrepreter, declared in 
the presence of God, that he had faithfully acquainted the Indians with 
the said articles, and returned their answers. 

The following signatures are marks of Momauguin and his counsellors 
to the above agreement, and are copied from the ancient records of 
New Haven, nearly in the position they stand on the record. 

1. Momauguin, his mark. 

2. Sugcogisin. 

3. Quosa quash. 

4. Carroughood. 

5. Woosauruck. 

6. The mark of Shaumpi- 

shuh, the sister of Mo- 
mauguin, called in the 
agreement Squaiv Sa- 
chem, who, it appears, 
had some interest in part 
of the lands. 

In December following, they made another purchase of a large tract, 
which lay principally north of the former. This was of Montowese, son 
of the great sachem at Mattabeseck. This tract was ten miles in 




* The Indians of Gluinnipiac, in this treaty, declared, that they still remembered 
the heavy taxes of the Pequots and Mohawks; and that, by reason of the fear of them, 
they could not stay in their own country, but had been obliged to flee. By these pow- 
erful enemies they had been reduced to about forty men. 

t This was in the present town of East Haven. 




NEW H A V E N . 137 

length, north and south, and thirteen in hreadth. It extended eight 
miles east of the river Quinnipiac, and five miles west of it towards 
Hudson's river. It included all the lands within the ancient limits of 
the old towns of New Haven, Branford and Wallingford, and almost the 
whole contained in the present limits of those towns, and the towns of 
East Haven, Woodhridgc, Bethany, Meriden, JNorth Branford, Cheshire, 
Hamden, North Haven, and part of Orange. These have since been 
made out of the three old towns. For this last tract the English gave 13 
coats, and allowed the Indians ground to plant, and 
liberty to hunt within the lands. The annexed is a 
copy of the signature of Montowese and Sawsounck, 
an Indian who came with him to New Haven. Mon- 
towese's signature is the bow and arrow. It appears 
the above land descended to him from his deceased 
mother. His tribe or company consisted of but 
ten men, with their women and children. 

The New Haven adventurers were the most opu- 
lent company which came into New England ; and 
they designed to plant a capital colony. They laid 
out their town plat in squares, designing it for a great 
and elegant city. In the center was a large and 
beautiful square. This was compassed with others, making nine in the 
whole. 

The first principal settlers were, Theophilus Eaton, Esq., Mr. Dav- 
enport, Samuel Eaton, Thomas Gregson, Robert Newman, Matthew 
Gilbert, Nathaniel Turner, Thomas Fugill, Francis Newman, Stephen 
Goodyear, and Joshua Atwater. 

There appears no act of civil, military, or ecclesiastical authority, 
during the first year ; nor is there any appearance that this colony was 
ever straitened for bread, as the other colonies had been. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Henry Whitfield, Win. Leet, Esq., Samuel Desbor- 
ough, Robert Kitchel, William Chittenden, and others, who were part 
of Mr. Davenport's and Mr. Eaton's company, arrived to assist them in 
their new settlement. These were principally from Kent and Surry, in 
the vicinity of London. Mr. Whitfield's people, like Mr. Davenport's, 
followed him into New England. There were now three ministers, with 
many of the members of their former churches and congregations, col- 
lected in this infant colony, and combined in the same general agree- 
ment. 

On the 4th of June, 1639, all the free planters at Quinnipiac con- 
vened in a large barn of Mr. Newman's, and, in a formal and very sol- 
emn manner, proceeded to lay the foundations of their civil and reli- 
gious polity. 

Mr. Davenport introduced the business, by a sermon from the words 
of the royal preacher, " Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath 
hewn out her seven pillars." 

The following is the most ancient record of this event, and is a curi- 
osity in the history of civil government. 

18 



138 NEW HAVEN. 

The 4th day of the 4th raoneth, called June lf>39, all the free planters assembled to- 
gether in a general meetinge, to consult about settling civil government according to 
God, and about the nomination of persons that may be found, by consent of all, fittest 
in all respects for the foundation work of a Church which was intended to be gathered 
in Quinipiack. After sollemne invocation of the name of God in prayer, for the pres- 
ence and help of his spirit and grace in these weighty businesses, they were reminded 
of the business whereabout they met, (viz.) for the establishment of such civil order as 
might be most pieasing unto God and for the chusing the fittest men for the foundation 
work of a church to be gathered. For the better enabling them to discerne the minde 
of God, and to agree accordingly concerning the establishment of civil order, Mr. John 
Davenport propounded divers queries to them, publicly praying them to consider se- 
riously in the presence and feare of God, the weight of the business they met about, 
and not to be rash or sleight in giving their votes to things they understood not, but to 
digest fully and thoroughly what should be propounded to them, and without respect 
to men, as they should be satisfied and perswaded in their own minds to give their 
answers in such sort as they would be willing they should stand upon record for pos- 
terity. 

This being earnestly expressed by Mr. Davenport, Mr. R.obcrt Newman wasintreat- 
ed to write in characters, and to read distinctly and audibly in the hearing of all the 
people, what was propounded and accorded on, that it might appear that all consented 
to matters propounded according to words written by him. 

ducere 1. Whether the Scriptures do holde fourth a perfect rule for the direction 
and government of all men in all duteyes which they are to perform to God and men, 
as well in the government of famylyes and commonwealths as in matters of the church ? 

This was assented unto by all, no man dissenting, as was expressed by holding up of 
hands. Afterwards it was read over to them, that they might see in what wordes their 
vote was expressed : they againe expressed their consent thereto by holding up their 
hands, no man dissenting. 

Q.ua?re 2. Whereas there was a covenant sollemnely made by the whole assembly of 
free planters of this plantation, the first day of extraordinary humiliation that we had 
after we came together, that as in matters that concern the gathering and ordering of a 
church, so likewise in all publique offices, which concern civil order, as choyce ofma- 
gistrates and officers, making and repealing of laws, divideing allotments of inherit- 
ances, and all things of like nature, we would all of us be ordered by those rules which 
the scripture holds forth to us. This covenant was called a plantation covenant, to 
distinguish it from a church covenant, which could not at that time be made, a church 
not being then gathered, but was deferred till a church might be gathered according 
to God. It was demanded whether all the free planters doe holde themselves bound 
by that covenant in all business of that nature which are expressed in the covenant, to 
submit themselves to be ordered by the rules which are held forth in the scripture. 

This also was assented unto by all, and no man gainsayed it, and they did testify the 
same by holding up their handes, both when it was first propounded, and afterwards 
confirmed the same by holding up their hands when it was read unto them in pub- 
lique. John Clark being absent when the covenant was made, doth now manifest his 
consent to it. Also Richard Beach, Andrew Low, Goodman Bamster, Arthur Hal- 
bidge, John Potter, Richard Hill, John Brockett, and John Johnson, these persons be- 
ing not admitted planters when the covenant was made, doth now expresse their con- 
sent to it. 

Quaere 3. Those who have desired to be received as free planters, and are settled in 
the plantation with a purposed resolution and desire that they may be admitted into 
church fellowship, according to Christ, as soon as God shall fitt them thereunto, were 
desired to expresse it by holding up of hands— accordingly all did expresse this to be 
their desire and purpose, by holding up their hands twice, (viz.) both at the proposal of 
jt, and after, when these written words were read unto them. 

Quaere 4. All the free planters were called upon to express whether they held them- 
selves bound to establish such civil order as might best conduce to the securing the pu- 
rity and peace of the ordinances to themselves and their posterity, according to God. 
In answer hereunto they expressed by holding up their hands twice, as before. That 
they helde themselves bound to establish such civil order as might best conduce to the 
ends aforesaid. 

Then Mr. Davenport declared unto them by the scriptures what kind of persons 
might best be trusted with matters of government, and by sundry arguments from 
scripture proved that such as were described, Ex. 18, 1. Dent. 1, 13. with Deut. 19, 15. 
and 1 Cor. 6, 1 to 7, ought to be entrusted by them, seeing they were free to cast them- 
selves into that mould and forme of commonwealth which appeareth best for them in 
reference to the securing the pure and peaceable enjoyment of all Christ his ordinan- 
ces in the church according to God, whereunlo they have bound themselves as hath 



J 



NEW HAVEN. 139 

been acknowledged. Having said this, he sat down, praying the company freely to 
consider whether they would have it voted at this time or not. Alter some space of 
silence, Mr. Theophilus Eaton answered it might be voted, and some others also spake 
to the same purpose, none at all opposing it. Then it was propounded to vote. 

Glusere 5. Whether free Burgesses shall be chosen out of Church members, they 
that are in the foundation work of the church being actually free burgesses, and to 
chuse to themselves out of the like estate of church fellowship, and the power of chu- 
siug magistrates and officers from among themselves, and the power of making and 
repealing laws according to the word, and the dividing of inheritances, and the deci- 
ding differences that may arise, and all the business of like nature, are to be transacted 
by those free burgesses. 

This (viz. Cluasre 5.) was put to vote, and agreed unto by the lifting up of hands 
twice, as in the former cases it was done. Then one man stood up after the vote was 
past, and expressing his dissenting from the rest, in that yet granting, 1. That magis- 
trates should be men fearing God. 2. That the Church is the company whence ordi- 
narily such men may be expected. 3. That they that chuse them ought to be men 
fearing God, onelye at this he stucke, That free planters ought not to give the power 
out of their hands. 

Another stood up and answered, that in this case nothing was done but with their 
consent. The former answered, that all the free planters ought to resume this power 
into their own hands again, if things were not orderly carried. Mr. Theophilus Eaton 
answered, that in all cases they choose committees. In like manner the companys of 
London chuse the liverys by whom the publique magistrates are chosen. In this the 
rest are not wronged; because they expect to be of the livery themselves, and to have 
the same power. Some others intreated the former to give his arguments and reasons 
whereupon he dissented. He refused to doe it, and said they might noi rationally de- 
maund it, seeing he let the vote pass on freely, and did not speak until after it was past 
because he would not hinder what they agreed upon. Then Mr. Davenport, after a 
short relation of some former passages between them two about this question, prayed the 
company that nothing might be concluded by them in this weighty qestion, but what 
themselves were persuaded to be agreeing with the minde of God, and they had heard 
what had been sayd since the vote, intreated them agayne to consider of it, and 
agayne to put it to vote as before. Agayne all of them by holding up their hands, did 
shew their consent as before. And some of them professed, that whereas they did 
waver before they came to the assembly, they were now fully convinced, that it is the 
minde of God. One of them said, that in the morning before he came, reading Deu- 
teronomy 17, 15. he was convinced at home. Another said that he came doubting to 
the assembly, but he blessed God, by what had beene said he was now fully satisfied 
that the ehoyce of burgesses out of Church members, and to intrust these with the 
power before spoken of, is according to the minde of God revealed in the scripture. 
All having spoken their apprehensions, it was agreed upon, and Mr. Robert Newman 
was desired to write it as an order, whereunto every one that hereafter should be ad- 
mitted here as planters should submit, and testify the same by subscribing their names 
to the order, namely, 

That church Members only shall be free Burgesses, and that they only shall chuse 
magistrates and officers among themselves, to have the power ot transacting all pub- 
lique civil affairs of this plantation, of making and repealing laws, devideing of inher- 
itances, decideing of differences that may arise; and doing all things or businesses of 
like nature. 

This being settled as a fundamental article concerning civil government, Mr. Dav- 
enport propounded and proposed some things to consideration aboute the gatheringe 
of a Church. And to prevent the blemishing of the first beginnings of the work, He 
advised that the names of such as were to be admitted be publiquely propounded, to the 
end that they who were most approved might be chosen; for the town being cast into 
several private meetings, wherein they that dwelt nearest together gave their accounts 
one to another of God's gracious work upon them, and prayed together, and conferred 
to their mutual edification, sundry of them had knowledge one of another, and in ev- 
ery meeting some one was more approved of all than any other. For this reason, and 
to prevent scandalls, the whole company was intreated to consider whom they found 
fittest to nominate for this worke. 

Quaere 6. Whether are you all willing and do agree in this, that twelve men be cho- 
sen, that their fitness for the foundation work may be tried, however there may be more 
named, yet it may be in their power who are chosen to reduce them to twelve, and it 
be in the power of those twelve to chuse out of themselves 7, that shall be most appro- 
ved of, the major part to begin the church. 

This was agreed upon by consent of all, as was expressed by holding up of hands, 
and that so many as should be thought fit for the foundation work of a church, shall 



140 NEW HAVEN. 

be propounded by the plantation, and written down and passe without exception, un- 
lesse they had given public scandall or offence, yet so as in case of publique scandall 
and offence, every one should have liberty to propound their exceptions at that time 
publiquely against any man that should be nominated when all the names should be 
writ down, but if the offence were private, that men's Dames might be tendered, so ma- 
ny as were offended, were intreated to deal with the offender privately. And il" he 
gave no satisfaction, to bring- the matter to the twelve, that they might consider of it 
impartially and in the feare of God. The names of the persons named and agreed 
upon, were Theophilus Eaton, John Davenport, Robert Newman, Matthew Gilbert, 
Richard Malbon, Nathaniel Turner, Ezekiel Chevers, Thomas Fugill, John Pnnder- 
son, William Andrews, and Jeremiah Dixon. No exception was hi ought against any 
of these in public, except one about taking an excessive rate for meal that he had sold 
to one of Poquonnock in his neede, which he confessed with grief, and declared that 
having been smitten in heart, and troubled in his conscience, he offered such a pari of 
the price back again, with confession of his sin to the party, as he thought himself 
bound to do. And it being feared that the report of the sin was heard farther than the 
report of his satisfaction, a course was concluded on to make the satisfaction to as ma- 
ny as heard of the sin. It was also agreed upon at the said meetinge, that if the per- 
sons above named did find themselves straitened in the number of lit men for the sev- 
en, that it should be free for them to take into tryal ol' fitnesse such other as they 
should think meete. Provided that it should be signified to the town upon the Lord's 
day who they so take in, that every man may be satisfied of them, according to the 
course formerly taken. 
[The foregoing was subscribed and signed by one hundred and eleven persons.] 

" After a proper term of trial, Theophilus Eaton, Esq., Mr. John 
Davenport, Robert Newman, Matthew Gilbert, Thomas Fugill, John 
Punderson and Jeremiah Dixon, were chosen for the seven pillars of 
the church. 

" October 25th, 1639, the court, as it is termed, consisting of these 
seven persons only, convened, and after a solemn address to the Su- 
preme Majesty, they proceeded to form the body of freemen, and to 
elect their civil officers. The manner was indeed singular and curious. 

" In the first place, all former trust, for managing the public affairs 
of the plantation, was declared to cease, and be utterly abrogated. Then 
all those who had been admitted to the church after the gathering of it, 
in the choice of the seven pillars, and all the members of other appro- 
ved churches, who desired it, and offered themselves, were admitted 
members of the court. A solemn charge was then publicly given them, 
to the same effect as the freemen's charge, or oath, which they had pre- 
viously adopted. The purport of this was nearly the same, with the 
oath of fidelity, and with the freemen's administered at the present time. 
Mr. Davenport expounded several scriptures to them, describing the 
character of civil magistrates given in the sacred oracles. To this suc- 
ceeded the election of officers. Theophilus Eaton, Esq. was chosen 
governor, Mr. Robert Newman, Mr. Matthew Gilbert, Mr. Nathaniel 
Turner, and Mr. Thomas Fugill, were chosen magistrates. Mr. Fugill 
was also chosen secretary ; and Robert Seely, marshal. 

" Mr. Davenport gave Governor Eaton a charge in open court, from 
Deut. 1 : 16, 17. 'And I charged your judges at that time, saying, 
Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between 
every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. Ye shall 
not respect persons in judgment, but ye shall hear the small as well as 
the great ; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man ; for the judgment 
is God's : and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and 
I will hear it." 



NEW HAVEN. 141 

"It was decreed by the freemen, that there should be a general 
court annually, in the plantation, on the last week in October. This 
was ordained a court of election, in which all the officers of the colony 
were to be chosen. This court determined, that the word of God 
should be the only rule for ordering the affairs of government in that 
commonwealth. 

"This was the original, fundamental constitution of the government 
of New Haven. All government was originally in the church, and the 
members of the church elected the governor, magistrates and all other 
officers. The magistrates, at first, were no more than assistants of the 
governor ; they might not act in any sentence or determination of the 
court.* No deputy governor was chosen, nor were any laws enacted, 
except the general resolutions which have been noticed ; but, as the 
plantation enlarged, and new towns were settled, new orders were giv- 
en ; the general court received a new form, laws were enacted, and the 
civil polity of this jurisdiction gradually advanced, in its essential parts, 
to a near resemblance of the government of Connecticut."! 



Letter from the Rev. J. Davenport and Gov. Eaton, '* To the much 
honored the Governor, Deputy and Assistants, &c." of Massachusetts. 

"It may please the worthy and much Honored Governor, Deputy & Assistants, & 
with them, the present Courte, to take knowledge that our desire of staying within 
this patent was Real! and strong, if the eye of < rod's providence (to whom we have 
committed our waies, especially in so important an enterprise as tins, which, we con- 
fess is far above our Capacityes) had guided us to a place convenient for our familyes, 
& for our friends. Which as our words have often expressed, so, we hope, the trueth 
thereof is sufficiently declared by our almost nine moneths patient wayting in expecta- 
c on of some opportunity to be offered us, for that end, to our great charge &. hin- 
drance, many waies. 

" In all which time we have, in many prayers, commended the guidance of our ap- 
prehensions, judgments, spirits, resoluc~ons & wayes, into the good hand of the onely 
wise God, whose prerogative it is to determine the bounds of our habitac~ons accord- 
ing to the ends for which he hath brought us into these countryes, and we have con- 
sidered, as we were able, by his helpe, whatsoever place bath bene propounded to us, 
being ready to have, with contentment accepted (if by our stay any publick good might 
be promoved) smaller accommodations, & upon dearer termes (if they might be mod- 
erately commodious) then, we believe, most men, in the same case with us, in all res- 
pects, would have done. And whereas a place Cor an Inland plantacon, beyond Wa- 
tertowne, was propounded to us, & pressed with much importunity by some, whose 
words have the power of a law with us, in any way of God, we did speedily, and seri- 
ously deliberate thereupon, it beingthe subject of the greatest part of a dayes discourse. 
The conclusion was, that, if the upland should answer the meddow ground in goodnes 
& desirablenes (whereof yet there is some ground of doubting) yet, considering that a 
Boate cannot pass from the Hay thither, nearer than 8 or 10 miles distance, and that it 
is so remote from the Bay, & from any towne, we could not see how our dwelling there 
would be advantagious to these plantations, or compatible with our conditions, or com- 
modious for our familyes, or for our friends. 

" Nor can we satisfye ourselves that it is expedient, for ourselves, or for our friends, 
that we chuse such a condition, wherein we must be compelled to have our dwelling 
houses so farr distant from our Parmes, as Boston, or Charlestowne is from that place, 
few of our friends being able to beare the charge thereof (whose cases nevertheless we 
are bound to consider) & some of them that are able not being persuaded that it is law- 
full for them to live continually from the greatest part of theyre familye*, as, in this 
case, they would be necessitated to doe. The season of the yeare, & other weighty 
considerations, compelled us to hasten to a full & finall conclusion, which we are, at 



* Records of the Colony of New Haven. 
t Trumbull's History of Connecticut. 



142 NEW HAVEN. 

last, come unto, by God's appointment and direction, we hope in mere)', and have sent 
letters to Connectacutt lor a speedy transacting the purchase of the parts about Q.uil- 
lypieck from the Natives which may pretend title thereunto. By which Act we are 
Absolutely, & irrevocably ingaged that way, & we are persuaded that God will order 
it for good unto these plantations, whose love so abundantly, above our desarts, or ex- 
pectac~ons, expressed, in your desire of our abode in these parts, as we shall ever re- 
taine in thanckt'ull memory, so we shall account ourselves thereby obliged to be any 
way instrumental!, & serviceable for the common good of these plantac~ons as well as 
of those; which the Divine providence hath combined together in as strong a bond of 
Brotherly affection, by the sameness of theyre condition, as Joab and Abishai were, 
whose several! annyes did mutually strengthen them boath against several enimyes — 
2 Sam. x. 9, 10, II, or rather they are joyned together, as Hippocrates his Twinnes, to 
stand & fall, to growe & decay, to flourish & wither, to live and dye together. In wit- 
nes of the premises we subscribe our names. 

John Davenporte. 

Theoph: Eaton. 
The 12th day of the first moneth, 
Anno 1638" '[= 12 March, 1639].* 



The above is a fac simile of the hand-writing of Mr. Davenport and 
Gov. Eaton, subscribed to the preceding letter. 



New Haven lies at the head of a harbor, which sets up four miles 
from Long Island Sound ; in north latitude 41° 18', and in west longi- 
tude 72° 56' ; seventy six miles from New York, thirty four from Hart- 
ford, and one hundred and thirty four from Boston. It is the capital 
of a county of the same name, and the semi-capital of Connecticut. 
The site of New Haven is a plain, lying between two ranges of hills, on 
the east and on the west ; and limited, partly, on the northern side, by 
two mountains, called the East and West Rocks ; a spur from the lat- 
ter, named Pine Rock, and another from the former, named Mill Rock, 
which descends in the form of a handsome hill to the northern skirt of 
the city. Between these mountains the plain opens into a valley, which 
extends northward seventy six miles, to Northampton ; and between 
the East Rock, and the eastern range of hills, into another valley, ter- 
minating at Wethersfield, thirty two miles. Both these valleys coincide 
at the places specified, with the valleys of Connecticut river. The 
mountains are bold bluffs of greenstone rocks, with summits finely fig- 
ured, and form a delightful part of the New Haven landscape. 

The harbor of New Haven is created by the confluence of three riv- 
ers with the Sound ; Wallingford or Quinnipiac river on the east, Mill 

* Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 3d vol. 3d series. 



NEW HAVEN 



143 



river on the north, and West river. The two last are merely mill 
streams. Mill river is a very fine one, being plentifully supplied with 
water during the year. Wallingford river, originally called Quinni- 
piac, rises in Farmington, and after running a winding course of thirty 
five miles, empties its waters into the Sound. These streams are also 
ornaments of the landscape. 




South vieiv of blew Haven and Fort Hale. 

Fort Hale, the most prominent object in the above view, is situated on an insulated 
rock, two miles from the end of Long Wharf. It is so named from Captain Nathan 
Hale, who sacrificed his life for his country in the Revolutionary war. The city of 
New Haven is seen in the distance, with the East and West Rocks, as they appear in 
sailing up the harbor. 

The harbor of New Haven, from the entrance of Wallingford and 
Mill rivers, has in the channel fifteen feet of water to its mouth, except 
on Crane's bar, a small spit of sand, formed by the erection of a pier, 
about three fourths of a mile from the shore. Here the depth is only 
seven and a half feet ; but the obstruction might be removed with no 
great difficulty. At the time when the first settlers arrived in this town, 
there was in the northwestern region of this harbor, a sufficient depth 
of water for all the ordinary purposes of commerce. Ships were built 
and launched where now there are meadows, and gardens and shops : 
sloops loaded and unloaded where the market now stands. So late as 
the year 1765, the long wharf extended only twenty rods from the 
shore. It extends now three thousand nine hundred and forty three 
feet. Yet there is less water a few rods from its foot now, than at its 
termination in the year 1765. The substance which here accumulates 
so rapidly, is what in this country is called marsh mud; the material of 
which its salt marshes are composed. It has been suspected to be of a 
vegetable nature, and where the experiment has been tried, it has been 
found to be peat, and yields a tolerably good fire. 

The plain on which New Haven is built, is not improbably a conge- 
ries of particles, floated down to this place in early times from the inte- 



144 NEW HAVEN. 

rior. Its surface is sand, mixed with loam and gravel ; beneath this is 
usually found a stratum of yellow loam. Still lower, at the depth of 
fifteen or eighteen inches, a mass of coarse sand extends about six feet. 
Beneath this is another, composed principally of pebbles, rounded and 
smoothed like stones washed by the ocean. Still further down, the 
materials, generally like those which have been mentioned, are more 
mingled and confused. Formerly the surface was covered with shrub 
oaks ; and wild turkeys and partridges were found in great numbers.* 

The soil of this plain is dry, warm, and naturally unproductive, but, 
by cultivation, is capable of producing every vegetable suited to the cli- 
mate, and in any quantity. For gardens, except in dry years, it is re- 
markably well suited. The original town was laid out on the north- 
western side of the harbor, in nine squares, each fifty three rods on a 
side ; separated by streets about four rods in breadth ; and thus formed 
a quadrangular area of one hundred and sixty rods on a side. The cen- 
tral square is open, and is styled the Green ; and the upper, or north- 
western half, is a beautiful slope. It was formerly used as a burying 
ground, but in 18-21 the monuments were removed to the new burying 
ground, and the ground leveled. The lower part of the square is fifty 
two rods long, and twenty five rods wide. It is surrounded on all sides 
by rows of stalely elms, and is considered one of the most beautiful in 
the United States. The surrounding squares are, by law, divided each 
into four, by streets running from n. w. to s. e., and from n. e. to s. w., 
the direction of the original streets. Besides these thirty two squares, 
the town covers several considerable tracts bordering upon them, and is 
constantly extending. The principal of these is on the southeast side, 
and is called the New Township, a beautiful tract bounded by the East 
river and the harbor. The town of New Haven contains about eight 
square miles, the city about six: bounded n. by Hamden, w. by Orange 
and Woodbridge, s. by the waters of the harbor, and e. by the Quinni- 
piac, dividing it from East Haven. 

New Haven contained in 1S30, 10,678 inhabitants. In Dec. 1833, 
the population was 12,201, of which 11,534 were within the city limits. 
The area occupied by the city, is probably as large as that which usu- 
ally contains a city of six times the number of inhabitants in Europe. 
Many of the houses have court-yards in front, and gardens in the rear. 
The former are ornamented with trees and shrubs ; the latter are filled 
with fruit trees, flowers and culinary vegetables. 

The houses are generally two stories high, built of wood, in a neat, 
handsome, but not expensive style. Many of those recently erected, 
however, are good and substantial edifices of brick and stone. The pub- 
lic edifices are, the College buildings ; twelve churches, viz., six Con- 
gregational, two Episcopal, two Methodist, one Baptist, and one Roman 
Catholic ; a tontine, a state house, a jail, four banks, a custom house, 
and a state hospital. There are ten printing offices, from which are 
issued one daily, and three weekly newspapers ; and two weekly, one 
monthly, and one quarterly, religious publications; and the American 
Journal of Science and Arts, conducted by Professor Silliman. 

* Dr. Dwight. 



NEW HAVEN. 



145 




Yale College. 

This seminary is commonly said to have been founded in the year 
1700. In this year, ten of the principal ministers, nominated by a gen- 
eral consent, both of the clergy and the inhabitants of Connecticut, viz. 



The Rev. James Noyes, Stonington, 
" " Israel Chauncey, Stratford, 
" " Thos. Buckingham, Saybrool 
" '• Abra'm Plerson, Killingw'th, 
" " Samuel Mather, of Windsor, 



The Rev. Samuel Andrew, Milford, 
" '' Timothy Woodbridge, Hartford, 

James Pierpont, New HaveD, 
" " Noadiah Russel, Middletown, and 

" ' ; Joseph Webb, Fairfield, 



met at New Haven, and formed themselves into a society, which, they 
determined, should consist of eleven ministers, including a rector; and 
agreed to found a college in the colony. At their next meeting, which 
was at Branford, the same year, each of them brought a number of books, 
and presenting them to the society, said, " 1 give these books for the 
founding a College in this colony." Antecedently to this event, the 
subject had been seriously canvassed by the clergy, particularly Messrs. 
Pierpont, Andrew, and Russell of Branford, and by the people at large, 
during the two preceding years ; and had come thus far towards matu- 
rity. 

The act of the Legislature which gave birth to Harvard College was passed in 
163G. Only ten years, therefore, elapsed after the beginning of a settlement in Mas- 
sachusetts, before a college was commenced in earnest : whereas sixty five years pass- 
ed away, after the colonization of Connecticut was begun, and sixty three alter that of 
New Haven, before any serious attempt was made toward the founding of Yale Col- 
lege. But we are not hence to conclude that the colonists of Connecticut and New 
Haven were less friendly to learning than those of Massachusetts. The project of 
establishing a college in each of these colonies was early taken up, but checked by 
well founded remonstrances from the people of Massachusetts, who very justly observ- 
ed that the whole population of New England was scarcely sufficient to support one 
institution of this nature, and that the establishment of a second would, in the end, be 
a sacrifice of both. These considerations put a stop to the design for a £onsiderable 
time. 

19 



146 NEW HAV E N . 

Of the serious intention of the New Haven colonists to establish a college, the fol- 
lowing document, copied from the records of Guilford, furnishes decisive evidence. 

"At a General Court, held at Guilford, June 28, A. D. 1652." 

"Voted, The matter about a College at New Haven, was thought to be too great a 
charge for as of this jurisdiction to undergo alone; especially considering the unset- 
tled slate of New Haven Town : being publicly declared, from the deliberate judg- 
ment of the most understanding men, to be a place of no comfortable subsistence for 
the present inhabitants there. But if Connecticut do join, the planters are gem rally 
willing to bear their just proportions for erecting and maintaining of a College there. 
However, thej desire thanks to Mr. Goodyear, for his kind proffer to the setting for- 
ward iif such a work." 

In October, 1701, the Legislature granted the before named gentlemen a charter, 
constituting them " Trustees of a Collegiate School in his Majesty's Colony of Con- 
necticut;" and invested them with all the powers which were supposed to be neces- 
sary for the complete execution of then- trust. The following November, they chose 
one of their number, Mr. Pierson, rector of the school, and determined that it should 
be fixed for the present at Saybrook. 

In the year 1702, the first commencement was held at Saybrook, at which five young 
gentlemen received the degree of A. M. 

From this time many debates arose concerning the place where the school should 
finally be established, and continued to "agitate the community, until the year 1718. 
In 1716, a majority of the trustees voted, on the 17th ol'< (ctober, to remove the school to 
"New Haven. Four of their number, out of nine, were however strongly against it; 
and the community was equally disunited. The trustees, nevertheless, proceeded t<> 
hold the commencement, the following year, at New J laven, and to order a college to 
be erected. It was accordingly raised in October, 1717, and finished the following 
year. This building they were enabled to erect by a considerable number of dona- 
tions, which they had received lor this purpose, both within and without the colony. 
Their principal benefactor, both during this period and all which have succeeded, 
was the Legislature. 

Among the individuals who distinguished themselves by their beneficence to this 
infant institution, was the lion. Elihu Yale, Esq., of London. This gentleman was 
descended from an ancient and respectable family in Wales. His father, Thomas 
Yale, Esq., came from England with the firs! colonists of New Haven. In this town 
his son Elihu was born, April 5th, 1648. He went to England at ten years of age, and 
to Hindoostan at thirty. In that country he resided about twenty years: was made 
governor of Madias; and married the widow of Governor Hinmers, his predecessor. 
Having acquired a large fortune, he returned to London ; was chosen governor of the 
East India Company; ami died at Rexon, July 8th, 1721. 

This gentleman sent, in several donations, to the collegiate school, £o00 sterling, 
between 171 1 and 1718; and, a little before his death, ordered goods to he sent out to 
the value of £500 more, bin they were never received. 

In gratitude to this benefactor, the trustees, by a solemn act, named their seminary 
Vale College; a name which, it is believed, will convey the memory of his beneficence 
to distant generations.* 

The college which was erected at this time, was built of wood, one hundred and 
seventy feet long, twenty two feet wide, and three stories high; contained near fifty 
studies, besides the hall, library ami kitchen, and cost about £1000 sterling. Before 
it was erected, the students were scattered in various places, as Milford, Killingworth, 
Guilford, Saybrook, Wetherslield, &c. Soon afterwards, they all removed to New 
Haven. From this time the institution bee,an to flourish. The number of the students 
was about 40, and the course of education was pursued with spirit. The benefac- 
tions, also, which it received, were increased in number and value. 

In the list of its principal benefactors was the Rev. Dr. Berkeley, dean of Deny in 
Ireland, and afterwards bishop of Cloyne. This highly respectable man came to 
America in the year 1732, for the purpose of establishing a college in the island of 
Bermuda. The project failed, however, for want of assistance from England, which 
was promised him. While he was in America, he became acquainted with the Rev. 
Mr. Williams, and with the design and circumstances of the seminary. With all 
these he was so well pleased, that he made a present to it of a farm, which he had 
purchased at Rhode island; and after his return to Europe, sent to the library " the 
finest collection of books that ever came i. "/ether at one tune into America."* Jere- 
miah Dummer, Esq. of Boston, and the Hon. James Fitch, Esq. of Norwich, deserve to 



* Dr. Dwight. t President Clap. 



NEW HAVEN. 1 17 

be mentioned as distinguished benefactors of the institution. Sir Isaac Newton, Sir 
Richard Steele, Doctors Burnet, Woodward, Halley, Bently, Kennet, Calamy, Ed- 
wards, the Rev. Mr. Henry, and Mr. Whiston, presented their own works to the 
library. Many other respectable men afterwards made similar presents-. 

In 1745, a new chatter, drawn by the Hon. Thomas Fitch, Esq. of 
Norwalk, afterwards governor, was given to the trustees, in which they 
were named, The President and Fellows of Yale College. This is the 
present charter of the institution. In the year 1750, another college 
was built, and named Connecticut Hall. The building, as originally 
constructed, was 100 feet long, 40 feet wide, and three stories high, with 
a cellar under the whole. It was built of brick, and contained thirty 
two chambers, and sixty two studies. This is the only college of that 
period that now remains, and even this has been essentially altered and 
enlarged by the addition of a fourth story. It is known in the language 
of direction now used by the students, as the South Middle College. 
The expense of this building was £1,660 sterling. In April, 1761, a 
chapel was begun, and finished in 1763. This chapel, in modern 
times, has undergone much alteration, and is at this time devoted solely 
to academic purposes, under the name of the Athenoeurn. In 1782, a 
brick dining hall was erected, sixty feet in length, and thirty in breadth. 
This hall has since been converted into a chemical laboratory and lec- 
ture room, and is now used for these purposes. In April, 1793, the 
corner stone of the building usually designated as the South College was 
laid. This building is of brick, one hundred and four feet long, thirty 
six feet wide, and four stories high, and was completed on the 17th of 
July, 1794. The faculty, to whom is committed the government and 
instruction of the students, consists.of a president ; a professor of chem- 
istry, mineralogy, and geology ; a professor of the Latin language and 
literature ; a professor of mathematics, natural philosophy and astrono- 
my ; a professor of divinity ; a professor of rhetoric and oratory ; a pro- 
fessor of the Greek language and literature ; and eight tutors. The 
whole course of instruction occupies four years. In each year there are 
three terms or sessions. 

The general library of Yale College consists of above ten thousand 
volumes, exclusive of pamphlets. The libraries of the Linonian 
Society, and of the Brothers in Unity, comprise each rather more 
than five thousand volumes. The Calliopean Society, which is com- 
paratively of recent formation, has made a collection of three thou- 
sand eight hundred volumes. In addition to the several libraries, 
there is a collection of books belonging to the Moral Society, con- 
sisting of five or six hundred volumes. The aggregate of books in the 
several libraries, is about twenty five thousand volumes. The col- 
lege possesses a handsome mineralogical cabinet. In 1811, Col. George 
Gibbs deposited in this seminary two cabinets, one consisting of more 
than six thousand choice specimens, and the other of about eighteen 
thousand, the two best collections ever opened in this country. In 
1825, this collection was purchased of Colonel Gibbs, at a price of 
twenty thousand dollars ; of which sum the officers of Yale College 
and the citizens of New Haven contributed ten thousand dollars, the 



148 



N E W H A V E N 



citizens of New York three thousand dollars, and the alumni of South 
Carolina seven hundred dollars, and an individual five hundred dollars.* 

The principal edifices of Yale College face the western boundary of 
the green, and present an imposing front, including passage ways, of 
upwards of eight hundred feet. The buildings are chiefly constructed 
of brick, and consist of five spacious edifices, each four stories high, 
one hundred and four feet by forty, containing thirty two studies ; a 
chapel for religious worship, and ordinary public exhibitions ; a Ly- 
ceum, containing the library and recitation rooms ; an Athenaeum ; a 
chemical laboratory; an extensive stone dining hall, containing also, 
in the upper story, apartments for the mineralogical cabinet ; a separate 
dining hall for theological students; a dwelling house for the presi- 
dent ; a large stone building occupied by the medical department ; and 
the Trumbull Gallery, a neat and appropriate building, erected as a 
repository for the valuable historical and other paintings of Col. Trumbull. 

In the cut, the first building with a tower, on the left, is the old chap- 
el or Athenaeum ; that on the right is the new chapel, erected in 1824. 
The middle building is the Lyceum. There are many more trees in 
the yard in front of the college buildings, than are represented in the 
cut, but it was thought advisable not to insert the whole number, as it 
would much obscure the view of the buildings. The last college build- 
ing was erected in 1S35 ; it stands in a range with the others, north of 
those seen in the engraving. 




General Hospital of Connecticut. 

" The General Hospital Society of Connecticut was chartered in 
May, 1326, no similar institution having previously existed in this state. 
To aid the infant undertaking the legislature of the state appropriated 
the sum of five thousand dollars, and individuals from different parts of 

* A well written work, by the late Ebenezer Baldwin, Esq. entitled "Annals of 
Yale College," has been published in this city ; likewise a more recent history, by 
Professor Kingsley of Yale College. 



NEW HAVEN. 119 

the state have contributed handsome sums. With funds obtained from 
these sources, the society have erected a neat building on an eminence 
south westerly from the densely peopled part of the city ; commanding 
an excellent view of the town and harbor, and Long Island sound, to- 
gether with the distant ridge of hills which appear to skirt the horizon 
on every side except that bounded by the water. The building was 
completed in July, 1832. It consists of a center and two wings, its 
whole length being one hundred and eighteen feet ; its breadth in the 
center is forty eight feet. The number of rooms is about twenty, be- 
sides those in the basement, and a large room for operations in the attic 
story. The building is of stone, stuccoed on the outside. In front of 
the center is a portico with four columns, constructed after the best 
Grecian models. The whole expense of the building was about twelve 
thousand dollars. The funds of the society being limited, it was not 
deemed prudent to build on a more expensive scale at present. Should 
more room at any future time be wanted, additions can be made to any 
extent required, without injuring the appearance of the edifice. 

"The design of this institution is to afford medical and surgical aid, 
and other necessaries of sickness, to such as cannot command such ne- 
cessaries elsewhere. The poor, whom we ' always have with us,' if 
wounded or taken sick, without possessing the means of procuring ne- 
cessary aid, will here find an asylum, infinitely superior to that, but too 
often resorted to, in the town alms-houses. The stranger, sojourning 
with us, taken ill at a public boarding-house, with no friend or relative 
to care for him, may here find a substitute for the affectionate attentions 
of home. The sick mariner will here find a ' snug harbor.' To the 
poor every thing will be gratuitously furnished, board, bed, medicines, 
nursing, and medical and surgical aid. Such as are wealthy, and may 
choose to become inmates of the hospital, will be expected to pay for 
board only. All medical and surgical aid is to be in all cases gratuitous. 
It is to be essentially a charitable institution ; and, should more apply 
than can be received, the poor are always to have the preference over 
those who are able to pay for their accommodations." 



The cut on the next page is a representation of the southern termina- 
tion of West Rock and a part of the village of Westville, (formerly known 
by the name of Hotchkisstown,) about two miles n. w. from the state 
house in New Haven. That part of West Rock seen in the engraving, 
is about 400 feet in height, and is similar in its formation and general 
appearance to the East Rock, about two miles n. e. from New Haven. 
These rocks are trap, and are composed of hornblende and feldspar : iron 
enters considerably into their composition ; hence, during their decompo- 
sition, iron rust gradually covers the exterior of the stone, thus giving it a 
reddish brown appearance. It forms an excellent building stone, and is 
extensively employed for that purpose in New Haven. Their fronts are 
composed of vast assemblages of columns, more or less regular, and are 
full of cracks and fissures, from which cause it probably arises that they 
are liable to break off and fall. Hence vast masses of broken rocks, 
from the smallest size to that of the largest columns, are found sloping 



150 



N E W II A V E N 




Southeastern view of Jlest Hock and Westville. 

from the bases of these mountains up their fronts, for more than half 
their height. They are also distinguished by their backs declining so 
gradually that whilst the ascent is often easy, in front it is impracticable. 
The above view was taken from the sandy bluff rising at the east- 
ern extremity of the village. The building seen on the extreme left in 
the distance, is the Congregational church. The Methodist house of 
worship is seen in the distance, at the base of West Rock, in the cen- 
ter of the engraving. There are three paper mills, one iron foundery, 
and some other manufacturing establishments in the village, which con- 
tains about 600 inhabitants. 



The two Judges of King Charles I., Goffe and Whalley, (commonly 
called the Regicides,) on the restoration of Charles II. to the throne 
of his father, in order to save their lives were obliged to flee the 
kingdom : they arrived at Boston from England, the 27th of July, 
1660, and took up their residence in Cambridge ; but finding it un- 
safe to remain any longer, they left that place and arrived at New 
Haven the 7th of March, 1661. They were well treated by the min- 
ister and magistrates, and for some days thought themselves entirely 
out of danger. But the news of the king's proclamation being brought 
to New Haven, they were obliged to abscond. The 27th of March 
they returned, and lay concealed in the house of Mr. Davenport, the 
minister, until the 30th of April. Mr. Davenport was threatened with 
being called to an account, for concealing and comforting traitors ; but 
the Judges, who had before removed from Mr. D.'s house, upon intima- 
tion of his danger, generously resolved to deliver themselves up to the 
authorities of Mew Haven. They accordingly let the deputy governor, 
Mr. Leete, know where they were ; but he took no measures to secure 
them ; and the next day, some of their friends came to them and advised 






N E W HAVE N 



151 



them not to surrender. Having publicly shown themselves at New 
Haven, they had cleared Mr. Davenport from the suspicion of conceal- 
ing them ; after which they returned to their cave, which still goes by 
the name of the Judges' Cave. It is situated on the top of West Rock, 
about half or three quarters of a mile from the southern extremity. It 
is a place well chosen for observing any approach to the mountain ; 
likewise any vessel coming into the harbor, can from this rock be easily 
seen. The cave is formed on a base of perhaps forty feet square, by 
huge broad pillars of stone, fifteen or twenty feet high, standing erect 
and elevated above the surrounding superficies of the mountain, surroun- 
ded with trees, which conceal it from observation. The apertures be- 
ing closed with branches of trees, or otherwise, a well covered and con- 
venient lodgment might be formed, as these rocks, being contiguous at 
the top, furnished space below large enough to contain bedding and 
two or three persons. Mr. Richard Sperry, who lived on the west side 
of the Rock, about a mile from this cave, supplied them daily with food, 
sometimes carrying it himself, and at other times sending it by his boys, 
tied up in a cloth, with directions to leave it on a certain stump, from 
which the Judires would take it. 




South viciv of the Judges' Cave. 

The incident which caused them to leave the cave was this ; the 
mountain being a haunt for wild animals, one night as the Judges lay in 
bed, a panther or catamount, putting his head into the aperture of the 
cave, blazed his eye-balls in such a frightful manner as greatly to terrify 
them. One of them took to his heels, and fled down to Sperry's house 
for safety. Considering this situation too dangerous to remain any 
longer, it was abandoned. 

Another place of their abode, in the vicinity of New Haven, was at 
a spot called the Lodge. It was situated at a spring, in a valley, about 
three miles west, or a little northwest, from the last mentioned residence. 
North of it was an eminence, called the Fort to this day, from which 



1 52 N E W HAVEN. 

there was full view of the harbor, to the southeast, seven miles off. 
There were several other places on and about the West Rock, which 
were used by them for places of concealment. The two mentioned, 
however, were their principal places. 

Among the many traditionary anecdotes and stories, concerning the 
events which took place at and about the time the Judges' pursuers were 
at New Haven, are the following : — 

1. The day they were expected, the Judges walked out towards the 
Neck bridge, the road the pursuers must enter the town. At some dis- 
tance from the bridge, the sheriff, who then was Mr. Kimberly, over- 
took them, with a warrant for their apprehension, and endeavored to take 
them. The Judges stood upon their defence, and planted themselves 
behind a tree ; being expert at fencing, they defended themselves with 
their cudgels, and repelled the officer, who went into town to obtain 
assistance, and upon his return, found they had escaped into the woods 
beyond his reach. 

2. That immediately after this, during the same day, the Judges hid 
themselves under the Neck bridge, where they lay concealed while the 
pursuivants rode over it and passed into town ; and that the Judges re- 
turned to New Haven that night and lodged at the house of Mr. Jones. 
All this tradition says, was a preconcerted and contrived business, to 
show that the magistrates of New Haven had used their endeavors to 
apprehend them before the arrival of the pursuers. 

3. That when the pursuers were searching the town, the Judges in 
shifting their situations, happened, by accident or design, at the house 
of a Mrs. Eyers, a respectable lady ; she seeing the pursuivants coming, 
ushered her guests out at the back door, who after walking a short dis- 
tance, instantly returned to the house, and were concealed by her in one 
of the apartments. The pursuers coming in, inquired whether the re- 
gicides were at her house ; she answered, they had been there, but were 
just gone away, and pointed out the course they went into the woods 
and fields ; by her polite and artful address, she diverted their attention 
from the house, and putting them upon a false scent, thereby secured 
her friends. 

4. That while the Judges were at the house of Mr. Richard Sperry, 
they were surprised by an unexpected visit from their pursuers, whom 
they espied at a distance, as the causeway to the house lay through a 
morass, on each side of which was an impassable swamp. They were 
seen by the Judges, when several rods from the house, who therefore 
had time to make their escape to the mountain. 

5. At or about the time the pursuers came to New Haven, and per- 
haps a little before, to prepare the minds of the people for their recep- 
tion, the Rev. Mr. Davenport preached publicly from this text. Isaiah, 
xvi. 3, 4. — Take counsel, execute judgmeyxt, make thy shadoiv as the 
night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts, betray not him 
that wandereih. Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab ; be thou a 
covert to them from the face of the spoiler. This doubtless had its 
effect, and put the whole town upon their guard, and united the people 
in caution and concealment. 



NEW HAVEN. 1 53 

6. To show the dexterity of the Judges at fencing, the following story 
is told : that while at Boston, there appeared a fencing master, who, 
on a stage erected for the purpose, walked it for several days, challeng- 
ing and defying any one to play with him at swords ; at length, one of 
the Judges disguised in a rustic dress, holding in one hand a cheese, 
wrapped in a napkin, for a shield, with a hroomstick, the mop of which 
he had hesmeared with dirty puddle water as he passed along — thus 
equipped, mounted the stage. The fencing master railed at him for his 
impudence, asked him what business he had there, and bid him be- 
gone. The Judge stood his ground, upon which the gladiator made a 
pass at him with his sword to drive him off — a rencounter ensued — the 
Judge received the sword into the cheese, and held it until he drew the 
mop of the broom gently over his mouth and gave the gentleman a pair 
of whiskers. He made another pass, and plunging his sword a second 
time, it was caught and held in the cheese, whilst the mop was drawn 
gently over his eyes. At a third lunge, it was again caught and held 
in the cheese, until the Judge had rubbed the broom all over his 
face. Upon this the gentleman let fall his small sword, and took up 
the broad sword. The Judge then said, "stop, sir; hitherto, you see, 
I have only played with you, and not attempted to harm you ; hut if 
you come at me now with the broad sword, know that I will certainly 
take your life." The firmness with which he spoke struck the master, 
who, desisting, exclaimed, " Who can you be ? You must be either 
GofTe, Whalley, or the Devil, for there was no other man in England 
that could beat me." 

On the 13th of October, 1G64, they left New Haven, and arrived at 
Hadley the latter part of the same month. During their abode at Had- 
ley, the famous Indian war, called " King Philip 's war," took place. 
The pious congregation of Hadley were observing a fast on the occasion 
of this war, and being at public worship in the meeting house, Sept. 
1st, 1675, were suddenly surrounded by a body of Indians. It was 
customary in the frontier towns, and even at New Haven, in these Indian 
wars, for a select number of the congregation to go armed to public 
worship. It was so at Hadley at this time. The people immediately 
took to their arms, but were thrown into great confusion. Had Hadley 
been taken, the discovery of the Judges would have been unavoidable. 
Suddenly, and in the midst of the people, there appeared a man of very 
venerable aspect, and different from the inhabitants in his apparel, who 
took the command, arranged and ordered them in the best military 
manner. Under his direction, they repelled and routed the enemy, and 
thereby saved the town. He immediately vanished, and the inhabit- 
ants could account for the phenomenon in no other way, but by consid- 
ering that person as an angel sent by God, upon that special occasion for 
their deliverance ; and for some time after said and believed, that they 
had been saved by an angel. Nor did they know otherwise, till fifteen 
or twenty years after, when at length it became known at Hadley that 
the two Judges had been secreted there. The angel was Gofl'e, for 
Whalley was superannuated in 1675. The last account of Goffe is from 
a letter dated ' Ebenezcr, (the name they gave their several places of 

20 



154 



NEW H A V E N . 



abode,) April 2, 1769.' Whalley had been dead some time before. 
The tradition at Hadley is, that they were buried in the minister's cel- 
lar, and it is generally supposed that their bodies were afterwards se- 
cretly conveyed to New Haven, and placed near Dixwell's. The sup- 
position is strongly confirmed, by three stones yet remaining in the old 
burying ground, at New Haven, in the rear of the Center church, which 
are marked E. W. for Whalley, M. G. for Goffe, and J. D. Esq. for 
Dixwell. 

The following is a correct copy of each of the E. W. stones. The 
reader will observe in the cut, that the date on Whalley's head-stone 
may be read 1658, which was about twenty years before his death. The 
extension, however, of the line, in a direct course beyond the curve of 
the 5, has the aspect of design for concealment. The inscription upon 
the foot-stone E. W. and the three figures 16—8 are plain and distinct, 
but the intermediate figure is obscure. In the date of the foot-stone, 
the 5 is discernible ; the upper line of the 7 is also obvious ; it may be 
read, therefore, 1658 or 1678, and there is little doubt but that the lat- 
ter was the date intended, as, according to Goffe's letter to his wife, 
Whalley died about this time. 




head 3T0NE, 2 feet wide and high, 8 inches thick. — Dark blue stone. 




FOOT STONE. 




NEW HAVEN. 1 55 

Upon the same principle of designed deception, head stone. 

the M. on the M. G. stone may be taken for an 1 foot broad, 10 inches 
inverted W. and thus W. G. read for William Goffe, 
which seems more probable, as a deep strong line 
is drawn under the M. (see cut,) which was evi- 
dently intentional. 80, over these initials, may be 
referred to the year of his death, for his last letter / 1\M (f~^ 
was dated 1679, and he disappeared soon after.* / -*-* 

The object of these inscriptions being so obscure, 
was doubtless to prevent a discovery of their burial 
place, by their enemies, who, it was justly feared, if in their power to 
have obtained the bodies of the regicides, would have carried their re- 
sentment beyond the grave. 

A royalist historian, in speaking of Goffe, thus remarks: "In 1660, 
a little before the restoration of King Charles 2d, he betook himself to 
his heels to save his neck, without any regard had to his majesty's pro- 
clamation, wandered about, fearing every one that he met should slay 
him ; and was living at Lausanna in 1664, with Edward Ludlow, Ed- 
ward Whalley, and other regicides, when John Lisle, another of that 
number, was there, by certain generous royalists, dispatched. He af- 
terwards lived several years in vagabondship, but when he died, or 
where his carcass was buried, is as yet unknown to me." 

Colonel John Dixwell came from Hadley to New Haven before the 
year 1672, and was known here by the name of James Davids. During 
the seventeen years or more in which he lived in New Haven, nothing 
extraordinary occurred concerning him. From 1674 to 1685, the 
church had no settled minister with whom he might associate. The 
Rev. Nicholas Street, the minister at his first coming here, soon died. 
For above eleven years, the church was destitute of a pastor, and sup- 
plied by occasional and temporary preaching only, until Mr. Pierpont's 
settlement in 1685. With him the Colonel entered immediately into 
an open and unreserved communication ; but this was only for the short 
space of three or four of the last years of his exile. During this short 
time, however, there was the greatest intimacy between them, which 
appears to have been concealed even from the minister's wife. For 
tradition says, that madam Pierpont, observing their remarkable intima- 
cy, and wondering at it, used to ask him what he saw in that old gentle- 
man, who was so fond of leading an obscure, unnoticed life, that they 
should be so intimate and take such pleasure in being together, for Mr. 
Dixwell's house being situated on the east corner of College and Grove 
streets, and Mr. Pierpont's near the corner of Elm and Temple streets, 
and their house lots being contiguous and cornering upon one another, 
they had beaten a path in walking across their lots to meet and con- 
verse together at the fence. In answer to his wife's question, Mr. 
Pierpont remarked, that the old gentleman was a very learned man, 
and understood more about religion, and all other subjects, than any 
other person in the place, and that if she knew the value of him, she 



* See Stiles' History of the Judges. 



1 56 N E W HAVEN. 

would not wonder at their intimacy. Among other traditionary anec- 
dotes concerning him, this is one. 

" Sir Edmund Andross came into America, and became governor of 
New York in 1G75 to 1684, and of Massachusetts from 168(5 to 1689. 
In one of his tours through the colony of Connecticut, about 1686, at- 
tending public worship at New Haven, he observed a venerable old 
gentleman at meeting, and noticing him closely, discerned something 
singular in him and suspected him. After meeting he inquired who 
that person was, and was told that he was a merchant who resided in 
town. Sir Edmund replied that he knew that he was not a merchant, 
and became particularly inquisitive about him. Probably Colonel D. 
was notified of the inquisitiveness of the stranger concerning his person 
and character, for the Colonel was not seen at meeting in the after- 
noon." 

In connection with this, another tradition makes mention of a circum- 
stance indicating how obnoxious Sir Edmund was at New Haven, as 
well as through New England. He being at meeting here, and proba- 
bly on the same Lord's day as the above, the deacon gave out the 52d 
psalm to sing, in Sternhold and Hopkins' version, which begins thus: 

Whv dost thou tyrant boast abroad, 

Thy wicked works to praise ? 
Dosl iln hi ma know there is a God, 

Whose mercies last always? 

Why dost thy mind yet still devise 

Such wicked wiles to war;) ? 
Thy tongue untrue, in forging lies, 

Is like a razor sharp. 

Thou dost delight in fraud and guile, 

In mischief, blood, and wrong : 
Thy lips have learned the flattering stile, 

lalse, deceitful tongue! 

Governor Andross felt it as an intended insult upon himself, and after 
meeting resented it as such, and reprehended the deacon for it. But 
being told that it was the usage of the church to sing the psalms in 
course, he excused the deacon and let the matter drop. But it is not 
improbable, that though this might be the general custom, yet in this 
instance a psalm was selected for Sir Edmund's contemplation. 

Colonel Dixwell carried on no secular business, but employed his 
time in reading and walking in the groves and woods adjacent to his 
house. Mr. Pierpont had a large library, from which, as well as from 
his own collection, he could be supplied with a variety of books. He 
often spent his evenings at Mr. Pierpont's, and when they were by 
themselves, retired to his study, where they indulged themselves with 
great familiarity and humor, and had free and unrestrained conversation 
upon all matters, whether of religion or politics. But when in company, 
Mr. Pierpont behaved towards Colonel D. with caution and reserve. 
The Colonel spent much of his retirement in reading history, and as a 
token of his friendship for Mr. Pierpont, he, in his last will, presented 
him with Raleigh's History of the World. 



NEW HAVEN. 



157 



After a pilgrimage of twenty nine years in exile from bis native 
country, and banishment into oblivion from the world, of which seven- 
teen years at least, probably more, were spent in New Haven, by the 
name of James Davids, Esq. Colonel Dixwell died in this place. 

He and all the other Judges lived and died in the firm expectation of 
a revolution in England. This had actually taken place the Novem- 
ber before his death, but the news not having arrived, he died ignorant 
of it, about a month before the seizure of Sir Edmund Andross at Bos- 
ton. At his death, he discovered his true character to the people, and 
owned the name of John Dixwell, but requested that no monument 
should be erected at his grave, giving an account of his person, name, 
and character, alledging as a reason, " lest his enemies might dishonor 
his ashes" — requesting that only a plain stone might be set up at his 
grave, inscribed with his initials, J. D. Esq., with his age and time of his 
death. Accordingly, a plain rough stone was erected at his grave, close 
by the graves of Governor Eaton and Governor Jones, charged with 
this inscription, as at first put up and engraved by his friends. The 
following is a correct copy, both of the shape of the stone and the in- 
scription upon it. 







2;J feet high and broad, 5 inches thick : — red stone. 

Whilst residing at New Haven he was twice married, and at his death 
he left a wife and two children. His will was afterwards exhibited, 
approved and recorded in the probate office. 

President Stiles, in his History of the Judges, says: "So late as the 
last French war, 1160, some British officers passing through New 
Haven, and hearing of Dixwell's grave, visited it, and declared with 
rancorous and malicious vengeance, that if the British ministry knew it, 
they would even then cause their bodies to be dug up and vilified. Often 
have we heard the crown officers aspersing and vilifying them ; and 
some, so late as 1775, visited and treated the graves with marks of in- 
dignity too indecent to be mentioned." It was especially so in Queen 
Anne's time, and even in that of the Hanoverian family, there has been 
no time in which this grave has not been threatened by numerous syco- 
phantic crown dependents, with indignity and ministerial vengeance. 



158 



NEW HAVEN. 




South view of Fair Haven, (western part.) 



The above is a representation of that part of Fair Haven which lies 
within the present city limits of New Haven. This nourishing village 
is situated about two miles eastward of the Court House, on both sides 
of the Quinnipiac, and contains about one thousand inhabitants. The 
village, which is nearly equally divided, is connected by a bridge, which 
is seen in the distance, on the right of the engraving. The Methodist 
church, erected in 1835, is seen on the left ; the Congregational church 
appears in the central part of the engraving. A building with a small 
tower is seen a little to the left ; this is the " Collegiate and Practical 
Institute," which has just been erected, and where all the higher branches 
of education are intended to be taught. 

The oyster trade is the leading business of the inhabitants, and is 
steadily increasing. It commences in October and closes in April. 
" There are oysters brought here from different places, but the largest 
amount is from Virginia. The last season (1835 and 1S36) there were 
brought from the North river 12,000 bushels, making 130,841 bushels 
brought here in the season." Many of these oysters are laid down 
in beds. The quantity taken in Fair Haven varies from 20,000 to 
40,000 bushels yearly : from 300 to 400 boats are engaged in taking 
them. In the summer of 1835 there were brought into the village 
5,000 bushels of round clams, of which 2,000 were caught in the vi- 
cinity. It is estimated that there are dug on our shores, every season, 
4.000 bushels of long clams. There are twenty vessels owned in this 
village, whose whole amount of tonnage is 1,188 tons : six of these are 
engaged in the West India trade a part of the season, and the others in 
the coasting business. 

There is a large amount of excellent stone, for building and other 
purposes, found in the village; and the getting it out during the spring 



NEW HAVEN. 159 

and summer season receives considerable and increasing attention. In 
1835, there were quarried by different companies 270,000 solid feet. 
"This year (1836) there is going into operation the manufacture of 
lime from oyster shells ; and the person who is engaged in the business 
calculates there may be made 200,000 bushels in a year." " The 
population and business in general is constantly increasing, and there 
is every promise of this being one of the most prosperous villages in 
the State." — This place was formerly called Dragon, from a sandy 
point of that name, about forty rods below the bridge, on the eastern 
side of the river. The tradition is, that at the time of the first settle- 
ment of New Haven this point was a place of resort for seals, which lay 
here and basked themselves in the sun. At that time these animals 
were called dragons, hence the name Dragon Point. 

That part of NewHaven which lies between the nine original squares 
and Mill River, is called the New Township. Within a few years this 
part of the city has rapidly increased, and contains two of the most ex- 
tensive coach-making establishments in tin's country. There are within 
the city limits twelve coach-making establishments ; and it is estimated 
that the value of the carriages manufactured at present, will amount to 
about half a million of dollars annually. There are also four coach- 
spring and step manufactories, and five plating establishments. The 
manufacture of boots and shoes, ready made clothing, cabinet work, 
chairs, fee, are important branches of industry in this place. There 
has been put in operation an establishment for the manufacture of car- 
peting of a superior quality; also, three iron founderies. There are 
many other articles besides those mentioned, manufactured in the place. 
It is believed that there is not in the Union a body of working men 
more distinguished for their general intelligence and morality, than are 
the mechanics of New Haven. 



The following is a list of the planters, and the persons numbered in 
their families, with an estimate of their estates, in 1643. 

It was ordered that every planter should give in the names of the 
heads or persons in his family, wherein his wife, together with himself 
and children only were reckoned, with an estimate of his estate, accor- 
ding to which he will pay his proportion in all rates and public charges, 
from time to time to be assessed for civil uses, and expect lands in all 
divisions which shall generally be made to the planters. 



Names of the 


Persons 




Names of the 


Persons 




Planters. 


Numbered. 


Estates. 


Planters. 


Numbered. 


Estates. 


Mr. Theophil us Eaton 


6 


- 


£3,000 


Joh. Chapman, 


. 2 - 


£300 


Mr. Samuel Eaton, 


. 2 


. 


sou 


Matthew Gilbert, 


. 2 - 


600 


David Yale, 


1 


- 


300 


Jasper Craine, 


. 3 - 


480 


William Touttle, 


7 


- 


450 


Mr. Roe, 


. 6 - 


1,000 
500 


Ezekiel Cheevers, 


. 3 


- 


20 


An Elder, . 


. 4 - 


Captaine Turner, 


. 7 


- 


800 


George Lamberton, 


. 6 - 


1,000 


Richard Perry, 


. 3 


. 


260 


William Wilks, . 


. 2 - 


150 


Mr. Davenport, 


. 3 


- 


1,000 


Thomas Jeffrey, 


2 


100 


Richard Malbon, 


. 7 


. 


500 


Robert Ceely, 


'. 4 - 


179 


Thomas Nash, . 


. 7 


. 


110 


Nicholas Elsey, . 


. 2 - 


30 


John Benham, 


5 


. 


70 


Jonathan Bud'd, . 


. 6 - 


450 


Thomas Kimberly, 


. 7 


- 


12 


Richard Hull, . 


. 4 - 


19 



160 



NEW HAVEN 



Names of the 
Plan i 
William Preston, 
Benjamin Ffenne, 
William Jeanes, 
Joh. Brockett, 
Roger Allen, 
Mr.Hickocks, 
Mr. Mansfield, 
Thomas G reason, 
Stephen Goodyear, 
William Harskins, 
Jeremiah Whitnell, 
Samuel Bay ley, . 
Thomas Buckingham 
Richard Miles, . 
Thomas Welch, 
Nath. Axtell, 
Henry Stonell, 
William Fowler, 
Peter Preden, 
James Preden, 
Edmond Tapp, 
Widow Baldwin, 
An Elder, 
Richard Piatt, 
Zachariah Whitman, 
Thomas Osborne, 
Henry Rudderforde, 
Thomas Trowbridge, 
Widow Potter, . 
Joh. Potter, 
Samuel Whitehead, 
Joh. Clark, 
Luke Atkinson, . 
Arther Halbridge, 
Edward Barrister, 
William Peck, 
Joh. Mosse, 
Joh. Charles, 
Richard Beach, . 
Timothy Fi'orde, 
Peter Browne, 
Daniel] Paule, 
Jonathan Livermoore, 
Anthony Thompson, 
Joh. Reerier, 
Robert Cogswell. 
Mathi. Hitchcock, 
Ffrancis Hall, 
Richard Osborne, 



Persons 
Numbered. 

10 - 

2 - 

5 - 
1 - 

1 - 

6 - 
4 - 

6 - 
9 - 

2 - 

2 - 
1 . 
4 - 
7 

1 - 

1 - 

1 - 

3 - 

4 - 

3 - 

7 - 

5 - 

6 - 

4 - 

2 - 
6 - 
2 

5 - 
2 - 
4 - 

2 - 

3 - 

4 - 
4 - 

3 - 

4 - 

3 - 

4 - 

1 - 

2 - 

3 - 

1 - 

4 - 
4 - 

2 - 
4 - 

3 - 
3 - 
3 - 



Estates. 

£40 

80 

150 

15 

40 

1,000 

400 

600 

1,000 

1,000 

50 

250 

60 

400 

250 

500 

300 

800 

500 

10 

800 

800 

500 

200 

800 

300 

100 

500 

30 

25 

60 

240 

50 

20 

10 

12 

10 

50 

20 

10 

30 

100 

100 

150 

140 

60 

50 

10 

10 



Names of the 


Persons 




Planters. 


Numbered. 


Estates. 


William Potter, 


. 4 - 


£40 


James Clark, 


. 4 - 


50 


Edward Patteson, 


. 1 - 


40 


.Andrew Hull, 


. 4 - 


40 


William Ives, 


2 - 


25 


Georg Smyth, 


. 1 - 


50 


Widow Sherman, 


2 - 


50 


Matthew Moulthrop, 


. 




Thomas James, sen'r, 


5 - 


200 


Widow Greene, 


3 - 


80 


Thongs Yale, 


1 - 


100 


Thomas Ffugill, 


2 - 


100 


Joh. Punderson, 


2 ■ 


180 


Joh. Johnson, 


5 - 


150 


Abraham Bell, 


1 - 


10 


Joh. Evance, 


1 - 


500 


Mrs. Mayres, 


. 2 - 


800 


Mrs. Constable, . 


. 3 - 


150 


Josuah Atwater, 


2 


300 


Thomas Ffugill, 


'. 1 - 


400 


Edward Wiggleworth, 


3 - 


300 


Thomas Powell, 


. 1 - 


100 


Henrv Browning, 


8 - 


340 


Mrs. Higison, 


8 - 


250 


Edward Tench, . 


3 - 


400 


Jeremiah Dixon, 


1 - 


300 


William Thorp, 


3 - 


10 


Robert Hill, 


1 - 


10 


Widow Williams, 


2 - 


60 


Andrew Low, 


3 - 


10 


Ffr. Newman, 


2 - 


160 


Joh. Caflins, 


2 - 


500 


David Atsvater, . 


1 - 


500 


Mr. Lucas, 


6 - 


400 


Mr. Dearmer, 


1 - 


300 


Benjamin Ling, 


2 - 


320 


R.obert Newman, 


2 - 


700 


William Andrews, 


8 - 


150 


John Cooper, 


3 - 


30 


Richard Beckley, 


4 - 


20 


Mr. Marshall, 


5 - 


1,000 


Mrs. Eld red, 


5 - 


1,000 


Ffran. Brewster, 


9 - 


1,000 


Mark Pearce, 


2 - 


150 


Jarvis Boy kin, 


2 - 


40 


James Russell, 


2 - 


20 


George Warde, . 


6 - 


10 


Lawrence Ward, 


2 - 


30 


Moses Wheeler, 


2 - 


58 



The foregoing planters, likewise those who omitted to return their names to the 
Secretary, were entered in a book, and the quantity of land which each owned, and 
amount of taxes assessed, were annexed to their respective names. This book an- 
swered the purpose of a grand list for many years in succession. Whenever any plan- 
ter disposed of his land, it was passed to his credit on said book, and diminished his 
taxes in proportion to the quantity sold; each purchaser was made debtor, and his 
taxes were increased i n proportion to the quantity bought. 

That c miii. mi may the better be carried on betwixt man and man in those parts 
where money is scarce, — Ii is ordered, that Spanish money, called pieces of eight, shall 
reastheydo in some other parts of the country, at 5s. a piece. And that In- 
dian Wampom shall pass, the white at 6 a penny, and the black at 3 a penny. 

And forasmuch as the public occasions require that a Rate should be levied forth- 
with, it was ordered that all the rates already due, and the rates due in April nexr T 
shall be paid in to the Treasurer at his own house within one month after the date 
hereof, in Money, Beaver, Wampom or Corn, in good Wheat at 4s. per bushel, in Rye 
and Pease at 3s. 4d. per bushel ; and if any pay in Indian Corn, at 2s. 8d. per bushel — 
in Butter, Cheese, and great Cattle, moderately appraised. 



NEW HAVEN. 1G1 

New Haven having been exceedingly disappointed in trade, and sus- 
tained great damages at Delaware, and the large estates which they 
brought into New England rapidly declining, this year made uncommon 
exertion, as far as possible to retrieve their former losses. Combining 
their money and labors, they built a ship at Rhode Island, of 150 tons; 
and freighted her for England, with the best part of their commercial 
estates. Mr. Gregson, Capt. Turner, Mr. Lamberton, and five or six 
of their principal men embarked on board. They sailed from New 
Haven in January, 1647.. ^They were obliged to cut through the ice 
to get out of the harbor. The ship foundered at sea, and was never 
heard of after she sailed. 

According to the belief of the inhabitants at that period, this ship was 
seen in the air after she was lost. We take the following account as we 
find it in Mather's Magnalia. Mather, hearing of the circumstances, 
wrote to his friend, the Rev. Mr. Pierpont, for information, and received 
from that gentleman the following answer : — ■ 

Reverend and Dear Sir — 

In compliance with your desires, I now give yon the relation of that apparition of 
a ship iii, the air, which I have received from the most credible, judicious and curious 
surviving observers of it. 

In the year lt547, besides much other lading, a far more rich treasure of passengers, 
(five orsix of which were persons of chief note and worth in New Haven,) put them- 
selves on board anew ship, built at Rhode Island, of about 150 tuns; but so walty, that 
the master (Lamberton) often said she would prove their grave. In the month of Jan- 
uary, cutting their way through much ice, on which they were accompanied with the 
Reverend Mr. Davenport, besides many other friends, with many fears, as well as 
prayers and tears, they set sail. Mr. Davenport, in prayer, with an observable empha- 
sis, used these words: Lord if it be thy pleasure to burn these our friends in the bottom 
of the sea, they are thine ; save them! The spring following no tidings of these friends 
arrived with the ships from England: New Haven's heart began to fail her: this put 
the goodly people on much prayer, both publick and private, that the Lord would, (if it 
ivas his pleasure) let them hear what he had done with their dear friends, and prepare 
them with a suitable submission to his Holy 117//. In June next ensuing, a great thun- 
der storm arose out of the north west; after which (the hemisphere bring serene) about 
an hour before sun-set, a ship of like dimensions with the aforesaid, With her canvass 
and colors abroad, (though the wind northernly,) appeared in the air coming up from 
our harbour's mouth, which lyes south ward from the town, seemingly with her sails 
filled under a fresh gale, holding her course north, and continuing under observation, 
sailing against the wind for the space of half an hour. 

Many were drawn to behold this great work of God; yea, the very children cryed 
out, T'here's a brave ship! At length, crouding up as far as there is usually water suf- 
ficient for such a vessel, and so near some of the spectators, as that they imagined a 
man might hurl a stone on board her, her main-top seemed to lie blown off, but left 
hanging in the shrouds; then her mizen-top; then all her masting seemed blown 
away by the board: quickly after the hulk brought unto a careen, she overset, and so 
vanished into a smoaky cloud, which in some time dissipated, leaving, as every where 
else, a clear air. The admiring spectators could distinguish the several colours of 
each part, the principal rigging, and such proportions as caused not only the general- 
ity of persons to say, This was the mould of their ship, and this was her trag icl in, 1 : 
but Mr. Davenport also in publick declared to this effect : That God hud condescended , 
for the quieting of their afflicted spirits, /his extraordinary account of his sovereign dis- 
posal of those for whom so man /I fervent prayers were made continually. 

Thus I am, Sir, your humble sei vant, 

James Pierpont. 

The loss of this ship, with the former losses which the company had 
sustained, broke up all their expectation with respect to trade, and as 
they conceived themselves disadvantageous^ situated for husbandry, 
they adopted the design of leaving the country. Accordingly they en- 
tered into treaties for the city of Galloway in Ireland, which they de- 

21 



162 



NEW HAVEN. 



signed to have settled, as a small province for themselves. They were 
however disappointed with respect to all these designs, and their pos- 
terity, who they feared would be reduced to beggary, made respectable 
farmers, and flourished no less than their neighbors. 

It appears that the first planters had no written code of laws. The 
court determined all differences, fcc, according to their views of justice 
and propriety, as occasion required. 

Tlie following extracts are taken from the ancient Records of New 
Haven during this period. » 

At a Court held at New Haven, A. D. 1643. — Andrew Low, jun., for breaking into 
Mr. Laing's house, where he brake open a cupboard and took from thence some strong 
Water, and 6rf. in money, and ran sac kt the house from roome to roome, and left open 
the doors, for which fact being committed to prison, broke forth and escaped, and still 
remains horrible obstinate and rebellious against his parents, and incorrigible wider 
all the means that have been used to reclaim him. Whereupon it was orderd that 
he shall be as severely whipt as the rule will bear, and work with his father as a pris- 
oner, with a lock upon his leg so that he may not escape. 

December 3d, 1651. — It was propounded that some safer way might be found out to 
Connecticote, that the danger of East River may be avoyded. The new wave was 
desired to be viewed again, as William Bradley offered to lend his can now to lie in the 
East River, if the town will find ropes to draw it to and agayne. 

A Court hidden 3d November, 1639. — It was ordered that Mr. Hopkins shall hare 
two hogsheads of lime for his present use, and as much more as will finish his house 
as he now intends itt, he thinking that two hogsheads more will serve. 

It is ordered, that a meeting-house shall be built forthwith, fifty foote square ; and 
that the carpenters shall fall timber where they can find it, till allotment be layed our, 
and men know their proprietyes. 

It is ordered that Mr. Gregson and Mr. Evance shall have fower dayes liberty after 
this day to square their timber, before the former order shall take hold of them. 

It is ordered, that Mr. Eaton, Mr. Davenport, Robert Newman, Mathew Gilbert, 
Capt. Turner and Thomas Ffngill, shall from henceforward have the disposing of all 
house lotts, yett undisposed of about this towne, to such persons as they shall judge 
meete for the good of the plantation ; and thatt none come to dwell as planters here 
without their consent and allowance, whether they come in by purchase or otherwise. 

It is ordered, that every one that bares armes shall be completely furnished with 
arms, (viz.) a muskett, a sword, bandaleers, a rest, a pound of powder; 20 bullets fit- 
ted to their muskett, or 4 pound of pistoll shott, or swan shott at least, and be ready to 
show them in the market place upon Monday the 16th of this monthe, before Captaine 
Turner and Lieutenant Seeley, under the penalty 20s. fine for every default or absence^ 

4th of December, 1639. — It is ordered, that Thomas Saule shall agree with Goodman 
Spinnage before the next Court, or else the Court will determine the difference be- 
tween them. 

Roger Duhurst and James Stewart are enjoyned to make double restitution to John 
Cockerill for five pound and seventeen shillings which they stole out of his chist on 
the Lord's day in the meeting time, and they being servants to the said Cockerill, for 
which aggravation they were whipped also. 

Thomas Manchester, servant to Mr. Perry, being accused by his master for being 
druncke. and for giving his master uncomely language, for which his master having 
given him some correction, the Court (onely) caused him to be set in the siocks for a 
certain time. 

Nicholas Tamer, servant to the said Mr. Perry, for drunkenness and abusing his 
master in wordes was whipped. 

A General Court, 4th January, 1639. — It is agreed by the towne and accordingly 
ordered by the Court, that the Neck shall be planted or sowen for the tearme of seaven 
yeares, and thatt John Brockett shall goe about laying it out, for which and all differ- 
ences betwixt party and party aboute ground formerly broke up and planted by Eng- 
lish there, shall be arbitrated by indifferent men, which shall be chosen to that end. 

It is ordered, that some speedy course shall be taken to keepe hogs out of the neck. 

It is ordered, that a convenient way to the Hay-place be left common for all the 
towne. 

It is ordered, that no cattell belonging to this towne shall goe without a keeper after 
the first of May next. 



NEW HAVEN. 163 

A Court, holden February bth, 1639. — It is ordered, that brother Andrews, bro. 
Kimberley, Wm. Eves, and Sergeant Beckley, shall assist Mr. Ling to ripen Good- 
man Trap's business against the next Courte, concerning his demaunds for certaine 
moneyes which he disbursed for bringing cattell from the Bay, appertaining to divers 
persons. 

It is ordered, that brother Andrews shall detaine so much of Robert Campion, his 
wages in his hands, as may secure a debt of £3 which Mr. Mouland demands of the 
said Robert. 

It is ordered, that Mr. Mouland shall pay to Mr. Perry 205. which he owes to him. 

It is ordered, that Mr. Wilks shall pay five bushells and a half of Indian corne to 
Thomas Buckingham, for corne destroyed by Mr. Wilks his hogs. 

Isaiah, Captain Turner's man, fined £b for being drunk on the Lord's day. 

Wm. Brom field, Mr. Malbon's man, was sett in the stocks for prophaning the 
Lord's day and stealing wine from his master, which he drunk and gave to others. 

Ellice, Mr. Eaton's boy, was whipped for stealing a sow and a goate from his masler 
and selling them. 

David Anderson was whipped for being drunke. 

John Fenner, accused for being drunke with strong waters was acquitted, itt appear- 
ing te be of infirmity, and occasioned by the extremyty of the colde. 

Mr. Mouland, accused of being drunke, butt nott clearly proved, was respited. 

Peter Browne, Licensed to bake to sell, so long as he gives no offence in it justly. 

ISth February, 1639. — John Charles forbidden to draw wine, because there hath 
been much disorder by it. 

Goodman Love was whipped and sent out of the plantation, being not onely a disor- 
derly person himselfe, but an encourager of others to disorderly drinking meetings. 

George Spencer being prophane and disorderly in his whole conversation, and an 
abettor of others to sin, and drawing on others into a conspericie to carry away the 
Cock to Virgenia was whipped, and sent out of the plantation. 

John Proute, Hen. Brasier and Will. Broomfield, was whipped for joyning in the 
aforesaid conspericie, and ike said Hen. and Wm. were ordered to weare irons during 
the magistrate's pleasure. 

At a General Court held the 1st of the 1th month, 1640. — It is ordered, that none in 
this plantatione shall either sell or left a lott to any stranger, foryeares, without allow- 
ance from the Courte. 

A Courte held, at New Haven the 3d of the 1th month, 1642. — Mathew Wilson, for kill- 
ing a dog of Mr. Perry's willfully and disorderly, fined 20s, for his disorder, and order- 
ed to pay 205. damage to Mr. Perry, which 40i. Edward Chipperfield undertooke to 
see pay'd by the last of September next. 

8th Month, 1642. — It is ordered, that whosoever findes any things thatt are Lost shall 
deliver them to the Marshall, to be kept safe till the owners" challenge them. 

2d November, 1642. — Jervas Boykin is ordered to pay unto George Badcocke the 
sum of 205. for taking his cannow without leave. 

It is ordered, that those who have ffarmes att the River, called stony River, shall 
have liberty to make a sluce in the River for their own convenience. 

1th December, 1642. — Fforasmuch as John Owen hath had some damage done in his 
corne by hogs, occasioned through the neglect of Mr. Lamberton, John Bud and Will 
Preston, in not making up their fence in season, It is therefore ordered, thatt the said 
Mr. Lamberton, John Bud and Will Preston shall make satisfaction to the said John 
Owen for the damage done ; (viz.) Eight days worke and two pecks of Corne, which 
is to be pay'd according to the several apportions of ffence unset up respectively. 

In 1640, Robert Feaks and Daniel Patrick brought Greenwich, in 
behalf of New Haven. Another large purchase, sufficient for a number 
of plantations, was made by Capt. Turner, agent for New Haven, on 
both sides of Delaware bay or river. This purchase was made with a 
view to trade, and for the settlement of churches in gospel order and 
purity. The colony of New Haven erected trading houses upon the 
lands, and sent nearly fifty families to make settlements upon them. 
The settlements were made under the jurisdiction of New Haven, and 
in close combination with that colony, in all fundamental articles. 



IG'1 NEW HAVEN. 

The first Newspaper issued in New Haven was the Connecticut Ga- 
zette, published at its commencement by James Parker, near the Hay- 
market ; afterwards by James Parker §• Co., with whom it is said Dr. 
Franklin was connected. The earliest number before us, (perhaps the 
oldest one in existence,) is No. 28, dated [Saturday] October 18, 1755, 
from which it would seem that it first appeared in April, 1755. It is 
a sheet of 4 pages, each containing two columns ; and measures, when 
opened, 10{ inches in length, and 15£ in breadth. It gives " A List of 
the Representatives returned in the General Assembly, now met at New 
Haven :" their number is 103, and the number of towns by them repre- 
sented, 53. The following advertisements, notices, &c. are copied from 
various numbers of this paper. 

NEW II A VEX : 

Printed by J. Parker ifc Company, at the Post Office, near Captain Peek's at the Long 
Wharf, where this paper may be had at 2s. 6d. Lawful Money, per quarter, if sent 
by the special post ; or Is. lOd. Halfpenny, without Postage ; the first Quarter to be 
paid at Entrance. iVote.— Thirteen Papers go to a Quarter, none to stop but at the 
end ofthe Quarter. Saturday, October 1st, 1757. 



Nev> Haven, June 16th, 1758. 
Next week will be publish 'd proposals for sending by Subscription a post to Alba- 
n v. during the Summer, and for paying the postage of all Letters to the Connecticut 
Soldiers in the Army. Towards which the Printers of this paper will advance Mw 
J', hi nds lawful money. This is mentioned now, that Gentlemen may be as expeditious 
as possible in sending in subscriptions. 

New Haven, January 22d, 1761. 

His Honour the Governor, having received Dispatches, confirming the accounts of 
ili«' death of our late most Gracious Sovereign. King George the Second, on the 25th 
day of October, 17(i0 : — and other Dispatches also, for proclaiming his present Majesty. 
In pursuance thereof, yesterday issued orders for the Militia to appear under arms. 

Whereupon (though many of them from considerable distances,) two troops of Horse, 
and Four companies of foot, with great dispatch and alertness, were this day before 
noon, drawn up on the Great Square, before the Town House ; on notice whereof his 
Honour, the Governor, with the Gentlemen of the Council, (on this occasion conven- 
ed.) with many other Gentlemen of Character and Distinction, were escorted by Capt. 
Peck's company of foot, from the Council Chamber to the place of Parade; where in 
the audience of a numerous Concourse (the severity of the season notwithstanding,) 
with, ureal alacrity convened. 

His Sacred Majesty was proclaimed by reading and proclaiming aloud the following 
PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas, it hafh pleased Almighty God to call in his Mercy our late Sovereign 
Lord King George the Second, of blessed and Glorious memory, by whose decease the 
Imperial Crown of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, as also the supreme dominion 
and sovereign right of the Colony of Connecticut in New England, and all other his 
late Majesty's dominions in America, are solely and rightfully come to the High and 
Mighty Prince George, Prince of Wales; We therefore the Governor and Company, 
assisted with numbers ofthe principal Inhabitants of this Colony, do now, hereby with 
one full voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim, that the high 
and mighty Prince George, Prince of Wales, is now by the death of our late sovereign, 
of happy and glorious memory, become our only lawful and rightful Liege, Lord 
the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, 
I defender of the Faith, Supreme Lord of the said Colony of Connecticut in New Eng^ 
laud and all other his late Majesty's dominions and Territories in America, to whom 
we i(<> acknowledge all Paith and constant obedience, with all hearty and humble af- 
fection : bes thing God, by whom the Kings and Queens do reign, to bless the 

Royal King George the Third, with long and happy years to reign over us. 

Given at the Couacil Chamber al New Haven, the Twenty-second day of January, 
in the first year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George, The third King of 
Great Britain. France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith. &c. Annoque Domini 
1761. GOD SA VE THE KJ\G. 



NEW HAVEN. 165 

Which proclamation was subscribed by his Honour the Governor, Deputy Gover- 
nor and the Gentlemen of the Council, and many other Gentlemen of a Civil, Military 
and Ecclesiastical Character, &c. Which was followed by three general Huzzas, and 
a Royal salute of 21 Cannon, the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Council with 
numbers of Clergy, and other Gentlemen of Distinction, were again escorted to Mr. 
Bear's; where an elegant entertainment was provided on the occasion ; and his Majes- 
ty's, the Royal Family's, the King of Prussia's, and other loyal healths were drank ; 
and the Militia, after proper refreshment, seasonably discharged ; and the whole con- 
ducted and concluded with great Decency and Order, and great demonstrations of joy. 

Whereas on last Tuesday evening, a number of persons gathered together near the 
College, and there, and round the town, fired a great number of guns, to the great dis- 
turbance and terror of his Majesty's subjects, and brake the College windows and fen- 
ces, and several of them had gowns on, with a design to bring a scandal upon the 
College. These may certify, that I and the Tutors, several times walked among, and 
near the rioters, and could not see any scholars among them ; but they appeared to be 
principally, the people of the town with a few strangers. T. Clap. 

September 12, 1701- 

TO THE PRINTER. 

Please to insert the following in your next. 

I have now the pleasure of being able to inform the public, that the haws, or thorn 
seeds, which I sowed last Autumn, after having been buried on the ground, lay the 
space of one year before the sowing (as mentioned by me, in a late newspaper,) are 
now fairly come up, and growing, so that 'tis no longer a doubt, that the nature of 
those seeds is to remain one year and a half after gathering before they spring and 
grow. Yours, &c. J. INGEP^SOLL. 

May 8th, 1762. 

New Haven, March 5, 1762. 
Last Saturday afternoon, David Slusher and James Daley were erupt, branded with 
the letter B, on their Fore-heads, and received each of them Fifteen Stripes on their 
naked Bodies, pursuant to their sentences, for sometime since breaking open, and rob- 
bing the shop of Mr. Philo Mills, of Derby. 

A Likely Negro Wench and Child to be sold. — Incjuire of tire Printer. 

To be sold by the Subscriber of Branford, a likely Negro Wench, 18 years of age, 
is acquainted with all sorts of House Work ; is sold for no fault. June 15, 1763. 



New Haven, July 4, 1763. 
We the subscribers. Select men of the town of New Haven, do hereby give notice to 
the Inhabitants of said town that there will be a Vendue on the 2d Monday of August 
next, at the State-house in said Town, at four of the Clock in the afternoon, where 
those persons which are maintained by the Town will be set up, and those persons 
who will keep them at the cheapest rate may have them. Also a number of Children 
will be bound out, until they are either 14 or 21 years of age if any persons appear to 
take them. William Greenough, \ 

Amos Hitchcock, f „ , . ,, 
John Mix, \ Select-Men. 

Thomas Howell, j 

A year is past since the printer of this paper published proposals for reviving the 
Connecticut, Gazette. 'Tis needless to mention the reasons why it did not appear 
sooner. He returns thanks 10 all those who favored him at that time, anil hope they 
are yet willing to try how far he is able to give them satisfaction. A sample of it is 
now sent abroad, in order to collect a sufficient number of Subscribers barely to pay 
the charge of carryiug it on. When such a number appears — it shall be printed 
weekly and delivered to subscribers in town and Country, at the rate of two-pence, for 
each paper, which is Eight Shillings and Eight Pence, for one year. And no addition 
shall be made to the price when the Stamp Act takes effect, if it is then encouraged so 
as to be afforded at that rate. — Subscribers are not desired to engage for any particular 
time, so that they can stop it when they please. — A special post is appointed to carry 
it out of the common Post-Roads. — Advertisements shall be printed at a moderate 
Price, according to their length. — All kinds of Provision, Fire Wood, and other 
suitable country Produce will betaken as pay, of those who cannot spare money, if de- 
livered at the Printer's Dwelling House, or at any other place which mav accidentally 
suit him. 



166 



NEW HAVEN, 



The Printer hereby invites the benevolent of all parties to send him an account of 
whatever novelties they think may be useful to their countrymen. The shortest hints 
on such subjects, however written, will be gratefully received and faithfully commu- 
nicated to the Public il convenient. 

Besides the help he hopes to receive from different Correspondents in this colony 
and elsewhere, the Printer lias sent for three sorts of English Magazines, the Monthly 
Review of New Books, and one of the best London News-papers; these, together 
with American Intelligence from Nova Scotia to Georgia, inclusive, and also from 
Canada, cannot fail to furnish him with a constant stock of momentous materials and 
fresh advices to till this Gazette. Benjamin Mf.com, at the 

July 5, 1705. Post Office, New Haven. 

Just Imported from Dublin, in the brig Darby, 
A parcel of Irish Servants both Men and Women, and to be sold cheap, by Israel 
Boardman, at Stanford. 5th January, 1764. 

TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT. 

When I undertook the office of Distributor of Stamps for this colony, I meant a 
service to you, and really thought you would have viewed it in that light when you 
come to understand the nature of the stamp act and that of the office; but since it 
gives you some uneasiness, you may be assured if I find (after the act takes place, 
which is the first of November) that you shall not incline to purchase or make use of 
any stampt Paper, I shall not force it upon you, nor think it worth my while to trouble 
you or myself with any exercise of my office ; but if, by that time, I should find you 
generally in much need of the stampt paper, and very anxious to obtain it, I shall 
hope you will be willing to receive it of me, (if I shall happen to have any) at least 
until another person more agreeable to you can be appointed in my room. 

I cannot but wish you would think more how to get rid of the stamp act than of the 
Officers who are to supply you with the Paper, and that you had learnt more of the 
nature of my office, before you had undertaken to be so very angry at it. 

I am yours, &.c. J. Ingersoll. 

New Haven, 2ith August, 1165. 



New Haven, Sept. 20, 1765. 
On the 17th inst. the Freemen of this town met here. After choosing Roger Sher- 
man, Esq. and Mr. Samuel Bishop to represent them in the General Assembly to be 
holden next month, they unanimously desired those Representatives to use their ut- 
most endeavors, (at the assemblynow sitting at Hartford, and also at the ensuing Ses- 
sion here,) to obtain a repeal of the Stamp Act. The Stamp Master General of this 
Colony was at the said meeting, where these words were read aloud, ''Likewise voted 
that the Freemen presi nt earnestly desire Mr. fngt rsoll to resign his Sla?np Office imme- 
diately." Numerous were the signs of consent to this vote, when a gentleman con- 
demned it as needless and inconsistent after their former proceedings. The Stamp 
Officer then arose and declared in the strongest terms, that he would not resign till he 
discovered how the General Assembly were in that respect. ! Tis said he is gone to 
Hartford in order to make that important discovery; and that he has wrote to New 
York, requesting that the Stamp Paper may be detained there, 'till they are wanted 
here. 



Benedict Arnold — Wants to buy a number of large genteel fat Horses, Pork, Oats 
and Hay. — And has to sell choice Cotton and Salt, by quantity or retail; and other 
goods as usual. 

N( id Haven, January 21, 1766. 



Mr. Printed : Sir — As I was a party concerned in whipping the Informer, the 
other day, and unluckily out of town when the Court set, and finding the affair mis- 
represented much in my disadvantage and many animadversions thereon, especially 
in one of your last by a very fair candid gentleman indeed as lie pretends; alter he 
had insinuated all thai malice could do, adds, that he will say nothing to prejudice the 
minds of the people. — H rlj seen through the Grass, but the weather is too 

cold for him to bite. — To satisfy the public, and in justice to myself and those con- 
cerned, 1 beg you'd insert in your next, the following detail of the affair. 

The Informer bavin:; been a voyage with me, in which he was used with the great- 
est humanity, on our return was paid Ins wages to his lull satisfaction; and informed 
Die of his intention to leave the town that day, wished me well, and departed the town 
as I imagined.— But he two days after endeavored to make information to a Custom 



NEW HAVEN. 167 

House Officer; but it being holy time was desired to call on Monday, early on which 
day I heard of his intention, and gave him a little Chastisement; on which he left the 
town; and on Wednesday returned to Mr. Beecher's, where I saw the iellow, who 
agreed to and signed the following acknowledgment and Oath. 

I, Peter Boole, not having the fear of God before my Eyes, but being instigated by 
the Devil, did on the 24th instant, make information, or endeavor to do the same, to 
one of the Custom House Officers for the Port of New Haven, against Benedict Ar- 
nold, for importing contraband goods, do hereby acknowledge I justly deserve a Halter 
for my malicious and cruel intentions. 

I do now solemnly swear I will never hereafter make information, directly or indi- 
rectly, or cause the same to be done against any person or persons, whatever, for im- 
porting Contraband or any other goods into this Colony, or any Port of America; and 
that I will immediately leave New Haven and never enter the same again. So help 
me God. New Haven, 29lh January, 1766. 

This was done precisely at 7 o'clock, on which I engaged not to inform the sailors 
of his being in town, provided he would leave it immediately according to our agree- 
ment. Near four hours after I heard a noise in the street and a person informed me 
the sailors were at Mr. Beecher's. On enquiry, I found the fellow had not left the 
town. I then made one of the party and took him to the Whipping-Post, where he re- 
ceived near forty lashes with a small cord, and was conducted out of town; sinee 
which on his return, the affair was submitted to Col. David Wooster and Mr. Enos 
Allen, (Gentlemen of reputed good judgment and understanding,) who were of opin- 
ion that the fellow was not whipped too much, and gave him 50s. damages only. 

Query. — Is it good policy; or would so great a number of People, in any trading 
town on the Continent, (New Haven excepted,) vindicate, protect and caress an in- 
former — a character particularly at this alarming time so justly odious to the Public ? 
Every such information tends to suppress our trade, so advantageous to the Colony, 
and to almost every individual both here and in Great Britain, and which is nearly 
ruined by the late detestable stamp and other oppressive acts — acts which we have so 
severely felt, and so loudly complained of, and so earnestly remonstrated against that 
one would imagine every sensible man would strive to encourage trade ami discoun- 
tenance such useless, such infamous Informers. I am Sir, Your humble servant, 

Benedict Arnold. 



New Haven, May 23, 1766. 
"Last Monday morning early, an express arrived here with the charming news; 
soon after which many of the Inhabitants were awakened with the noise of small-arms 
from the different quarters of the town ; all the Bells were rung; and cannon roared 
the glad tidings. In the afternoon the Clergy publickly returned thanks for the bless- 
ing and a company of Militia were collected under the principal direction of Colonel 
Wooster. In the evening were Illumination, Bonfire and dances — all without any- 
remarkable indecency or disorder. The arrival of the regular Post from Boston last 
night, has completed our joy for the wise and interesting repeal of the stamp act. — Bu- 
siness will soon be transacted as usual in this loyal Colony- — In short, every tiling in 
nature seems to wear a more cheerful aspect than usual — to a great majority." 



The news of the battle of Lexington arrived at New Haven about 
noon, and Capt. Benedict Arnold,* afterwards General Arnold, who 
was at the time commander of the Governor's Guards, immediately- 
called out his company, and proposed their starting for Lexington, to 
join the American army as volunteers ; about forty of them consented 
to accompany their commander. Being in want of ammunition, Arnold 
requested the town authorities to furnish the company, which they 
refused to do. The next day, immediately before they started, Arnold 
marched his company to the house where the select men were sitting, 
and after forming them in front of the building, sent in word that if the 
keys of the powder house were not delivered up to him in five minutes, 
he would order the company to break it open and furnish themselves. 
This threat had the desired ©fleet, and the keys were delivered up. 

* Arnold lived in Water street, near the Ship-Yard. His house is still standing. 



168 NEW HAVEN. 

They stopped at Wethersfield the second night, where the inhabitants 
vied with each other in their attentions to them. They took the middle 
road, through Pomfret, at which place they were joined by General 
Putnam. On the Guards' arrival at Cambridge, they took up their 
quarters at a splendid mansion, owned by Lieut. Governor Oliver, who 
was obliged to flee on account of his attachment to the British cause. 
This company was the only one on the ground that was complete in 
their uniform and equipments, and, owing to their soldier-like appear- 
ance, were appointed to deliver the body of a British officer, who had 
been taken prisoner by the Americans, and had died in consequence of 
wounds received at the battle of Lexington. Upon this occasion, one 
of the British officers appointed to receive the body from the Guards, 
expressed his surprise at seeing an American company appear so well 
in every respect, observing that in their military movements and equip- 
ments, " they were not excelled by any of his Majesty's troops." 

Whilst at Cambridge, Arnold was sent by Gen. Washington, with 
1000 men, with orders to penetrate into Canada, which, after encoun- 
tering immense obstacles, was finally accomplished. About a dozen of 
the Guards accompanied him in this expedition. The remainder, after 
remaining nearly three weeks at Cambridge, returned to New Haven. 

During the Revolutionary war, while the enemy held possession of 
New York, the towns on the sea-board were continually liable to their 
incursions. In the campaign of 1779, the British seemed to have 
aimed at little more than to plunder, distress, and consume. The attack 
on this town took place on Monday, July 5th, 1779, the day on which 
the citizens were to assemble for the purpose of commemorating the 
Declaration of Independence. The following account of this event is 
taken from the Connecticut Journal, published in New Haven, July 
7th, 1779. 

New Haven, July 1th. 

About two o' clock on the morning of the 5th instant, a fleet consist- 
ing of the Camilla and Scorpion men of war, with tenders, transports, 
&c. to the number of 48, commanded by Commodore Sir George Col- 
lier, anchored off West Haven. They had on board about 3000 land 
forces, commanded by Major Gen. Tryon ; about 1500 of whom, under 
Brigadier Gen. Garth, landed about sun-rise on West Haven point. 
The town being alarmed, all the preparation which the confusion and 
distress of the inhabitants, and a necessary care of their families would 
permit, was made for resistance. The West bridge, on Mil ford road, 
was taken up, several field pieces were carried thither and some slight 
works thrown up for the defense of that pass. The division under 
Gen. Garth being landed, immediately began their march towards the 
town. The first opposition was made by about 25 of the inhabitants, 
to an advanced party of the enemy of two companies of light infantry. 
These, though advancing on the height of Mil ford hill, were attacked 
with great spirit by the handful of our people, driven back almost to 
West Haven, and one of them was taken prisoner. The enemy then 
advanced in their main body, with strong flanking parties, and two field 
pieces : and finding a smart fire kept up from our field pieces at the 



NEW HAVEN. 169 

bridge aforesaid, chose not to force an entrance to the town by that, the 
usual road, but to make a circuitous march of nine miles, in order to 
enter by the Derby road. In this march our small party on Milford hill, 
now increased to perhaps 150, promiscuously collected from several 
companies of the militia, had a small encounter with the enemy's left 
flank, near the Milford road, in which was killed their adjutant Camp- 
bell,* the loss of whom they lamented with much apparent sensibility. 
Our people on the hill, being obliged by superior numbers to give way, 
kept up a continual fire on the enemy, and galled them much, through 
all their march to Thomson's bridge on the Derby road. In the mean 
time, those who were posted at the West bridge, perceiving the move- 
ments of the enemy, and also that another large body of them had 
landed at the South End, on the east side of the Harbor, quitted the 
bridge and marched thence to oppose the enemy at Thomson's bridge. 
But by the time they had reached the banks of the river, the enemy 
were in possession of the bridge, and the places at which the river is 
here fordable ; yet having received a small accession of strength by the 
coming in of the militia, they gave the enemy a smart fire from two 
field pieces and small arms, which continued with little abatement, till 
the enemy were in possession of the town. Our people being obliged 
to retreat, either to the fields north and west of the town, or through 
the town across the Neck bridge, the enemy entered the town between 
12 and 1 o'clock. In the meantime, the division of the enemy, before 
mentioned to have landed at South End, which was under the imme- 
diate command of Gen. Tryon, was bravely resisted by a small party 
of men, with one field piece, who, besides other execution, killed an 
officer of the enemy, in one of their boats at their landing. This di- 
vision marched up by land, and attacked the fort at Black Rock ; at 
the same time their shipping drew up and attacked it from the harbor. 
The fort had only 19 men, and 3 pieces of artillery, yet was defended 
as long as reason or valor dictated, and then the men made good their 
retreat. 

The town being now in full possession of the enemy, it was, not- 
withstanding the subjoined proclamation, delivered up, except a few 
instances of protection, to promiscuous plunder: in which, besides rob- 
bing the inhabitants of their watches, money, plate, buckles, clothing, 
bedding and provisions, they broke and destroyed their household 
furniture to a very great amount. Some families lost every thing 
their houses contained : many have now neither food nor clothes to 
shift. 

A body of militia sufficient to penetrate the town, could not be col- 
lected that evening : we were obliged therefore to content ourselves 
with giving the enemy every annoyance in our power, which was done 
with great spirit for most of the afternoon at and about the Ditch- 
corner. 

* His grave is still to be seen on the summit of the high ground on the Milford 
road, near the interesction of the Orange or West Haven road. After he was shot, 
he was carried into a small house then standing in the vicinity. He was attended by 
his servant till he expired. 

22 



170 N E W HAVEN. 

Early on Tuesday morning, the enemy unexpectedly, and with the 
utmost stillness and dispatch, called in their guards and retreated to 
their hoats, carrying with them a number of the inhabitants captive, 
most, if not all of whom, were taken without arms, and a few who 
chose to accompany them. Part of them went on board their fleet, 
and part crossed over to General Tryon at East Haven. On Tuesday 
afternoon the militia collected in such numbers, and crowded so close 
upon Gen. Tryon, that he thought best to retreat on board his fleet, 
and set sail to the westward. 

The loss of the enemy is unknown ; but for many reasons it is sup- 
posed to be considerable, and includes some officers whom they lament 
besides Adjutant Campbell. Ours, by the best information we can ob- 
tain, is 27 killed, and 19 wounded. As many of our dead upon 
examination appeared to have been wounded with shot, but not mor- 
tally, and afterwards to have been killed with bayonets, this demon- 
strated the true reason why the number of the dead exceeded that of 
the wounded to be, that being wounded and falling into the enemy's 
hands, they were afterwards killed. A further confirmation of this 
charge is, that we have full and direct testimony, which affirms that 
Gen. Garth declared to one of our militia who was wounded and taken, 
that " he was sorry his men had not killed him, instead of taking him, 
and that he would not have his men give quarter to one militia man, 
taken in arms." 

Although in this expedition it must be confessed, to the credit of 
the Britons, that they have not done all the mischief in their power, 
yet, the brutal ravishment of women, the wanton and malicious destruc- 
tion of property, the burning of the stores upon the wharf, and eight 
houses in East Haven ; the beating, stabbing, and insulting of the Rev. 
Dr. Daggett, after he was made a prisoner, the mortally wounding of 
Mr. Beers, senior, in his own door, and otherwise abusing him ; the 
murdering the very aged and helpless Mr. English in his own house, 
and the beating and finally cutting out the tongue of and then killing a 
distracted man, are sufficient proofs that they were really Britons. 

They were conducted to the town by William Chandler, son of 
Joshua Chandler, late of this town, who with his family went off with 
the enemy in their retreat. 

The enemy carried off between thirty and forty of the inhabitants 
of the town, among whom was John Whiting, Esq. judge of probate, 
and clerk of the county court. 

Names of the persons killed and wounded by thr British troops at New Haven, July blh 

and 6th, 1779. 
Killed. — John Hotchkiss, Caleb Hotchkiss, junr. Ezekiel Hotchkiss, Capt. John 
Gilbert, Michael Gilbert, John Kennedy, Joseph Dorman, Asa Todd, Samuel Woodin, 
Silas Woodin, Benj. English, Isaac Pardis, Jeduthan Thomson, Aaron Russell, a lad, 
Jacob Thorp, and Pomp, a negro, all of New Haven, Eldad Parker, Wallingford, 
Bradley, Derby, Timothy Ludington, Guilford, John Baldwin, Gideon Good- 
rich, Branford, and one person whose name is unknown. 

" Wounded — Rev. Dr. Daggett, Nathan Beers, since dead of his wounds, David 
Austin, junr. Elizur Goodrich, junr. Joseph Bassett, Capt. Caleb Mix, Thomas Mix, 
Israel Woodin, and taken, John Austin, Abraham Pinto, Nathan Dummer, Jeremiah 
Austin, Edmund Smith, and Elisha Tuttle, (since dead of his wounds, whose tongue 

wa? cut out by the enemy,) all of New Haven, Atwaler. and a negro, of Wal- 

lingford, and Benjamin Howd of Branford. 



NEW HAVEN. 171 

The following is the proclamation alluded to in the foregoing account. 
By Commodore Sir George Collier, commander-in-chief of his ma- 
jesty's ships and vessels in North America, and Major Gen. William 
Tri/on, commanding his majesty's land forces on a separate expe- 
dition. 

Addressto the inhabitants of Connecticut. 

The ungenerous and wanton insurrection against the sovereignty of Great Britain, 
into which this colony has been deluded, by the artifices of designing men, for private 
purposes, might well justify in you, every fear which conscious guilt could form, re- 
specting the intentions of the present armament. 

Your towns, your property, yourselves lie within the grasp of the power whose for- 
bearance you have ungenerously construed into fear; but whose lenity has persisted 
in its mild and noble efforts, even though branded with the most unworthy imputation. 

The existence of a single habitation on your defenseless coast, ought to be a subject 
of constant reproof to your ingratitude. Can the strength of your whole province 
cope with the force which might at any time be poured through every district in your 
country"? You are conscious it cannot. Why then will you persist in a ruinous and 
ill judged resistance? We hoped that you would recover from the phrenzy which 
has distracted this unhappy country ; and we believe the day to be near come, when 
the greater part of this continent will begin to blush at their delusion. You who lie 
so much in our power, afford that most striking monument of our mercy, and there- 
fore ought to set the first example of returning to allegiance. 

Reflect on what gratitude requires of you ; if that is insufficient to move you, attend 
to your own interest: we oiler you a refuge against the distress, which you universally 
acknowledge, broods with increasing and intolerable weight over all your country. 

Leaving you to consult with each other upon this invitation; we do now declare 
that whosoever shall be found, and remain in peace, at his usual place of residence, 
shall be shielded from any insult, either to his person, or his property, excepting such 
as bear offices, either civil or military, under your present usurped government, of 
whom it will be further required, that they shall give proofs of their penitence and 
voluntary submission ; and they shall then partake of the like immunity. 

Those whose folly and obstinacy may slight this favorable warning, must take 
notice, that they are not to expect a continuance of that lenity which their inveteracy 
would now render blamable. 
Given onboard his Majesty's ship Camilla on the Sound, July 4, 1779. 

George Collier, Wm. Tryon. 

The following is from the London Gazette, of Oct. 6, 1779. 

Whitehall, Oct. 6, 1779. 
Copy of a letter from Major Gen.. Try on, to Gen. Sir Henry Clinton, dated New York, 

July 20, 1779. 

Having on the 3d instant, joined the troops assembled on board the transports at 
Whitestone, Sir George Collier got the fleet under way the same evening ; but the 
winds being light, we did not reach the harbor of New Haven until the fifth, in the 
morning. 

The first division consisting of the flank companies of the Guards, the Fuziliers, 
54th regiment, and a detachment of the Yagers, with 4 field pieces, under the com- 
mand of Brig. Gen. Garth, landed about 5 o'clock, (A.M.) a mile south of West 
Haven, and began their march, making a circuit of upwards of seven miles, to head 
a creek on the west side of the town. 

The second division could not move until the return of the boats, but before noon I 
disembarked with the 23d, the Hessian, Landgrave, King's American Regiments, 
and 2 pieces of cannon, on the eastern side of the harbor, and instantly began the 
march of three miles, to the ferry from New Haven, east, towards Branford. 

We took a field piece, which annoyed us on our landing, and possessed ourselves 
of the Rock Battery, of three guns, commanding the channel of the harbor, abandoned 
by the rebels on our approach. The armed vessels then entered and drew near the 
town. 

Gen. Garth got into the town, but not without opposition, loss, and fatigue, and re- 
ported to me at half past one, that he should begin the conflagration, which he thought 
it merited, as soon as he had secured the bridge between us, over Neck Creek. 

The collection of the enemy in force, on advantageous ground, and with heavier 
cannon than his own, diverted the General from that passage, and the boats that were 
to take offthe troops being not up, I went over to him, and the result of our conference 
was a resolution, that, with the first division, he should cover the north part of the 



172 N E W H A V E N. 

town that night, while with the second, I should keep the heights above the Rock Fort. 
In the morning the first division embarked, fit the southeast part of the town, and 
crossing the ferry, joined us on East Haven side, excepting the 54th, which were sent 
on board their transports. 

In the progress of the preceding day, from West Haven, they were under a continual 
fire; but by the judicious conduct of the General, and the alertness of the troops, the 
rebels were every where repulsed. The next morning, as there was not a shot tired 
to molest the retreat, Gen. Garth changed his design, and destroyed only the public 
stores, some vessels and ordnance, excepting six field pieces, and an armed privateer, 
which were brought off. 

The troops re-embarked at Rock Fort,* in the afternoon, with little molestation ; 
and the fleet leaving the harbor that evening, anchored the morning of the 8th off the 
village of Fairfield. ************ 
* * * The general effect of the printed address from Sir George Collier and 
myself, to the inhabitants, recommended by your Excellency, cannot be discovered 
till there are some further operations and descents upon their coasts. Many copies 
of it were left behind at New Haven, and at Fairfield. ***** 

********** 

I have the honor herewith to transmit to your Excellency a general return of the 
killed, wounded, and missing, on this expedition. 

At New Haven, July 5. 
Guards, 1 officer, 1 rank and file killed; 1 officer, 1 sergeant, !) rank and file 
wounded: 14 rank and file missing.— 7th or Royal Fuziliers, 1 sergeant, 7 rank and 
file wounded; 2 rank and file missing. — 23d, or Royal Welch Fuziliers, 1 drummer, 

1 rank and file wounded. — 54th Regiment of foot, 1 sergeant, 5 rank and file killed ; 

2 officers, 1 drummer, 5 rank and file wounded ; 1 sergeant, 7 rank and file missing. — 
Landgrave regiment, 2 rank and file wounded. — Detachment of Yagers, 1 rank and 
file wounded; 1 rank and file missing. — King's American Regiment, 1 officer killed; 
1 sergeant, 6 rank and file wounded. — Royal Artillery, 1 driver wounded. 

Names of the officers Killed and Wounded. 
Guards, Adjutant Campbell, killed ; Captain Parker, wounded. — 54th Regiment of 
foot, Captain Bickop, Lieut. Powell, wounded. — King's American Regiment, Ensign 
and Adjutant Watkins, killed. Wsi. Tryok, M. G. 



The following additional particulars, relative to the invasion of New 
Haven by the British Troops, were received from persons who were 
residents of the town at the time. 

When information of the enemy's landing at West Haven reached 
the town, and as their forces approached the place, persons of every 
age and sex were seen fleeing in all directions. A number of the in- 
habitants took refuge on the East Rock, where they remained until the 
enemy left New Haven. Many, however, chose to remain, hoping that 
by staying quietly in their habitations, they should be secure from the 
molestations of the enemy ; but a large number of the more patriotic 
inhabitants made instant preparations to harass the English as much as 
possible. Capt. James Hillhousc, with a small band of brave young 
men, some of whom were students of Yale College, advanced very 
near the royal troops, while on parade ground near the West Haven 
church ; and when they commenced their march, fired on the advanced 
guards and drove them back to the main body ; but owing to superior 
numbers, this little band was soon forced to retreat. The Rev. Dr. 
Daggett, at that time president of Yale College, was a warm friend to 
the American cause ; — armed with a musket, he joined his fellow citi- 
zens and went out to oppose the enemy ; he was wounded and taken 



* Now Fort Hale, 



NEW HAVEN. 173 

prisoner near the West bridge. Dr. Daggett would in all probability 
have been murdered by the British, but for the interference of Chan- 
dler, their guide, who was formerly his pupil at the College. Whilst 
in their hands, the President was asked, whether if released, he would 
again take up arms against them ? — to which he answered, " i rather 
believe I shall if I get an opportunity." 

The British entered New Haven on the old Derby road, through 
Westville : a small body of men, under Capt. Phineas Bradley, with 
two small cannon, made a stand to oppose their entrance on the top 
of the hill, on the east side of the Westville bridge, (formerly called 
Thompson's bridge,) but their ammunition failing, they were obliged to 
retreat. The embankments thrown up on this occasion by the Ameri- 
cans are still visible. The enemy then continued their course towards 
New Haven, and when at the west end of Chapel street, placed a large 
loaded field piece, and fired it off down the street. Our informant, Mr. 
Amos Doolittle, who was one of the party that resisted the enemy at 
Westville, states, that when obliged to leave there, his wife being sick, 
he returned to his house, which was near the College, and after throw- 
ing his gun and equipments under the bed, awaited the coming of the 
enemy with anxiety. As soon as they arrived in front of his house, an 
English lady who resided with him stepped to the door, and addressing 
one of the officers, requested a guard for the house. The officer asked 
her, with an oath, who she was ; she informed him that she was an Eng- 
lish woman and then had a son in his majesty's service ; upon which the 
officer addressing a Highlander, ordered him to guard the house, and 
not allow the least injury to be done to its inmates. It was owing to 
the address of this lady, that Mr. D. was not carried to New York by 
the enemy ; for some of the soldiers entering the house by the back 
door, and discovering the eun under the bed, inquired the purpose of it. 
The lady, with great presence of mind, answered that the law obliged 
every man to have a gun in his house, adding that the owner of it was 
as strong a friend to King George as themselves. A store near his 
house having been broken open by the soldiers, one of them advised 
Mr. D. to go and provide himself with whatever he wanted, adding that 
he was perfectly welcome — but not wishing to take advantage of his 
neighbor's distress, the offer was of course declined. 

It is mentioned in the preceding account, that among the killed and 
wounded were Mr. Beers and Capt. Gilbert. The circumstances of 
the death of these persons are stated to be as follows : — 

As the British entered the town, Capt. Parker, a British officer, over- 
taking Capt. Gilbert, ordered him to surrender; upon which, Capt. G. 
turning round shot the officer and badly wounded him. He was im- 
mediately pursued, and being wounded in the leg whilst endeavoring to 
escape, was soon overtaken by the enemy and immediately dispatched 
with their bayonets. Mr. Beers lived near the corner of York and 
Chapel streets : a shot was fired at the enemy near his premises ; they 
immediately came into the house, charged him with the act, and mor- 
tally wounded him, while he declared his innocence. 



174 N E W HAVEN. 

After the royal troops left the town, thousands of country people and 
militia flocked in, without any order : soon after they entered, a report 
having been circulated that the British army was surrounding the place, 
they fled for the country, and their progress could be traced for miles 
by the immense clouds of dust which arose in all directions. It is said, 
that some of the country people were base enough to take advantage 
of the general confusion, and carried off goods to a large amount. 



The following is a copy of President Daggett's account of the treat- 
ment he received from the enemy, which is preserved in the Secretary 
of State's office at Hartford. 

An account of the cruelties and barbarities, which I received from the British sol- 
diers, after I had surrendered myself a prisoner into their hands. — It is needless to 
relate all the leading circumstances which threw me in their way. It may be suffi- 
cient just to observe, that on Monday morning the 5th inst. the town of New Haven 
was justly alarmed, with very threatening appearances of a speedy invasion from the 
Enemy. Numbers went out armed to oppose them; I among the rest, took the station 
assigned me upon Milford hill, but was soon directed to quit it, and retire further 
north, as the motions of the Enemy required. Having gone as far as I supposed was 
sufficient, I turned down the hill to gain a little covert of bushes which 1 had in my 
eye; but to my great surprise, I saw the Enemy much nearer than I expected, their 
advanced guards being little more than 20 rods distant, plain open ground between us. 
They instantly fired upon me, which they continued till I had run a dozen rods, dis- 
charging not less than 15 or 20 balls at me alone ; however thro' the preserving provi- 
dence of God, I escaped them all unhurt, and gained the little covert at which 1 aimed, 
which concealed me from their view, while I could plainly see them thro' the weeds 
and bushes, advancing towards me within about 12 rods. I singled out one of them, 
took aim, and fired upon him ; I loaded my musket again, but determined not to dis- 
charge it any more, and as I saw I could not escape from them, I determined to sur- 
render myself a prisoner. I begged for Gluarter, and that they would spare my life. 
They drew near to me, I think two only in number, one on my right hand, the other 
on my left, the fury of internals glowing in their faces, they called me a damned old 
Rebel and swore they whould kill me instantly. They demanded, what did you fire 
upon us for? I replied, because it is the exercise of war. Then one made a pass at 
me with his bayonet, as if he designed to thrust it thro' my body. With my hand I 
tossed it up from its direction and sprung in so near to him that he could not hurt me 
with his bayonet. I still continued pleading and begging for my life, with the utmost 
importunity, using every argument in my power to mollify them, and induce them to 
desist from their murderous purpose. One of them gave me four gashes on my head 
with the edge of his Bayonet, to the skull bone, which caused a plentiful effusion of 
blood. The other gave me three slight pricks with the point of his bayonet on the 
trunk of my body, but they were no more than skin deep. But what is a thousand 
times worse than all that has been related, is the blows and bruises they gave me with 
the heavy barrels of their guns on my Bowels, by which I was knocked down once, or 
more, and almost deprived of life; by which bruises, I have been almost confined to 
my bed ever since. These scenes might take up about two minutes of time. They 
seemed to desist a little from their design of murder, after which they stript me of my 
shoe and knee buckles, and also my slock buckle. Their avarice further led them to 
rob me of my Pocket handkerchief, and a little old tobacco box. The}' then bade me 
march towards the mam body, which was about twelve rods distant; where some offi- 
cers soon inquired of me who I was, I gave them my name, station and Character, and 
begged their protection, that I might not be any more abused or hurt by the soldiers. 
They promised me their protection. But I was robbed of my shoes and was commit- 
ted to one of the most unfeeling savages that ever breathed. They then drove me with 
the main body, a hasty march of five miles or more. I was insulted in the most shock- 
ing manner by the ruffian soldiers, many of which came at me with fixed bayonets 
and swore that they would kill me on the spot. They damned me, those that took me, 
because they spared my life. Thus amidst a thousand insults, my infernal driver 
hastened me along faster than my strength would admit in the extreme heat of the day, 
weakened as I was by my wounds and the loss of blood, which at a moderate computa- 
tion could not be less than one quart. And when I failed in some degree, thro' faint- 
ness, he would strike me on the back with a heavy walking staff and kick me behind 



NEW HAVEN. 175 

with his foot. At length, by the supporting power of God, I arrived at the green in 
New Haven. But my life was almost spent, the world around me several times ap- 
pearing as dark as midnight. I obtained leave of an officer to be carried into the wid- 
ow Lyman's and laid upon a bed, where I lay the rest of the day and succeeding night, 
in such acute and excruciating pain as I never felt before. Naphtali Daggett. 

New Haven, July 261k, 1771). 

New Haven, July 26lk, 1779. 

Personally appeared the Rev. Doctr. Naphtali Daggett, and made oath to the fore- 
going account as true and geuuine before me. David Austin, Jus. of Peace. 



The following advertisements, notices, &sc. are copied from the Con- 
necticut Journal and New Haven Post Boy, published during the Rev- 
olutionary war. 

New Haven, April \2th, 1775. 
"We are informed from the parish of East Haven, that last week, the women of 
that parish, in imitation of the generous and laudable example of the societies in the 
town of New Haven, presented the Rev. Mr. Street, of said parish, with upwards of 
one hundred and thirty run of well spun linen yarn; which was gratefully received 
by the family; and the generous guests after some refreshment, and taking a few 
dishes of coffee, agreeable to the plan of the Continental Congress, to which that 
society unanimously and fixedly adheres, dispersed with a cheerfulnes that bespoke 
that they could be well pleased without a sip from that baneful and exotic herb,* which 
ought not so much as to be once more named among the friends of American liberty. 



I, Abraham Hickox, having by my conduct for some time past, given great offense 
to my countrymen, do take this public occasion to acknowledge that my conduct has 
been such as justly to alarm the friends of this distressed and injured country, — in that 
I have ridiculed the doings of the Hon. Continental Congress; the Committees cho- 
sen in consequence of their resolutions; and in not complying with their advice. I 
confess that I have not only treated the Continental Congress with disrespect and 
abuse, but I have also greatly abused the General Assembly of this Colony, in saying 
that they spent their money for nothing, which appears by evidence, though 1 don't 
myself recollect it, and have also tried to ridicule the soldiers which have been raised 
for the defense of the Colony, by asking the question whether they intended to fight 
Gage with their feathers, and at the same time told them that they would go to fight 
New England Rum, more than any thing else; and that the soldiers enlisted for no 
other motive, but to get the government's money, and to live a lazy life. I further 
have said that the full character of a Whig is a liar or words to that effect, and that 
Gage is an honest man, with many other reflections upon the character and doings of 
those, who in this day of distress, stand forth for the defense of the liberties of this 
country. My conduct herein I acknowledge to be imprudent and unjustifiable, and 
for which I am sincerely sorry, and I do promise for the future, so far as I am able, to 
behave myself in such a manner as to give no offence to the community. 

Dated New Haven, May 31s£, 1775. Abraham Hickox. 

Messrs. Printers, — Please to give the following lines a place in your next, and you 
will oblige your humble servant. Z. 

Wednesday evening last, a number of ladies and gentlemen, belonging to this 
town, collected at a place called East Farms, where they had a needless entertainment, 
and made themselves extremely merry with a good glass of wine; — such entertain- 
ments and diversions can hardly be justified upon any occasion ; but at such a day as 
this, when every thing around us has a threatening aspect, they ought to be discoun- 
tenanced, and every good man should use his influence to suppress them. And are 
not such diversions and entertainments a violation of the eighth article of the Asso- 
ciation of the Continental Congress 1 And is it not expected that the Committee of 
inspection will examine into such matters, and if they find any persons guilty of vio- 
lating said Association, that they treat them according as the rules of it prescribe 1 

Jul// 19th, 1775. 



New Haven, July 5, 1775, No. 403. 
Last Wednesday, his excellency General Washington, Major General Lee, Major 
Thomas Mifflin, General Washington's aid-de-camp, and Samuel Griffin, Esq. Gene- 
ral Lee's aid-de-camp, arrived in town, and early next morning they set out for the 

* Tea. 



176 NEW HAVEN. 

Provincial Camp, near Boston, attended by great numbers of the inhabitants of the 
town. They were escorted out of town by two companies dressed in their uniform, 
and 1>\ a company of young gentlemen belonging to the Seminary in this place, who 
made a handsome appearance, and whose expertness in the military exercises gained 
them the approbation of the Generals. 



I, Abiatiiar Camp of New Haven, in the county of New Haven, in the colony of 
Connecticut, do confess, although I well knew that it was the opinion of a number of 
inhabitants of said town, that vessels ought not to clear out under the Restraining 
Act, which opinion they had, for my satisfaction, expressed by a vote when I was pres- 
ent ; and although 1 had assured that I would not clear out my vessel under said Re- 
straining Act, did nevertheless afterwards cause my vessel to be cleared out agreeable 
to said Restraining Act; and did, after I knew that the Committee of Inspection had 
given it as their opinion that it was most advisable that vessels should not clear out 
under said Restraining Act, send my vessel oil' to sea with such clearance ; for which I 
am heartily sorry ; and now publicly ask the forgiveness of all the friends of America, 
and hope that they will restore me to charity; and 1 do now most solemnly assure the 
public, though 1 own that 1 have by my said conduct given them too much reason to 
question my vreracitv, that I will strictly comply with the directions, and folly lend my 
utmost assistance to carry into execution all such measures as the Continental Con- 
gress have or may advise to, Abiatiiar Cami>. 

New Haven, October 2d, 1773. 

Voted, That this Confession be published in Messrs. Greens' paper. 

A true copy of the original. Test, John Lathrop, I Jacob Pinto, 

Israel Bishop, | Isaac Bishop. 



Beacon.— The town of New Haven, having this day erected a Beacon on Indian 
Hill, at East Haven, now Beacon Hill, about a mile a half southeast of the town; 
and ordered us, their Committee, to give public notice thereof. We now inform the 
public in general, and the neighboring towns in particular, that the Beacon will be 
tired on Monday evening next, the 20th instant, at six o'clock ; all persons are then 
desired to look out for the Beacon, and take the bearings of it from their respective 
places of abode, that they may know where to look out for it, in case of an alarm, 
which will be announced by the tiring of three cannon. If our enemy should attack 
us, and we be under the necessity of making use of this method to call in the assist- 
ance of our brethren, we request that all persons who come into the town, will take 
care to be well armed with a good musket, bayonet and cartridge box, well tilled with 
cartridges.* under their proper officers, and repair to the State House, where they will 
receive orders from Col. Fitch, what post to take. 

The ministers of the several parishes of this and the neighboring towns are request- 
ed to mention to their respective congregations the time when the Beacon will be fired. 

Phine,i 
Isaac Doolittle, )■ Commissioners. 

New Haven, lith November, 1775. James 



nine wnen me i 
3as Bradley, } 

Doolittle, > 
i Rice, ) 



Francis Vandale, from Old France, — Intends to open a Dancing School in this 
town, and also teach the French Language, on very reasonable terms; as he gave en- 
tire satisfaction to his pupils of both sexes at Cambridge, Boston, and Newport, (Rhode 
Island.) in these necessary arts, he will acquit himself of his duty in the same manner. 
He is a Protestant, and provided with good certificates. For further particulars, en- 
quire at Mr. Gould Sherman's, where he lives, in New Haven. 

December 13th, 177.3. 



JVew Haven, April 10. 

In Committee Meeting, New Haven, March 7th, 1776. 

A complaint being made against William (Hen, Merchant, for a breach of the as- 
sociation, by buying Tea and selling it at an extortionous price, and also refusing pa- 
per currency therefor: — said Glen was cited to appear before the Committee, and 
make answer to the foregoing charge ; — he appeared and plead not guilty, — wherefore 
the evidences against him were called in ami sworn: and on motion, voted that the 
evidem e is sufficient to convict William Glen of buying and selling tea, contrary to 
on, — and ordered that he be advertised accordingly, that no person here- 
after have ai i] ■ nirse with him. Also Freeman Huse, jun'i, being 
complained of foi buying and selling Tea, contrary to association, was cited to appear 



* Those who are deficient in any respect, of being thus armed, are earnestly re- 
I to exert themselves to be immediately furnished therewith. 



NEW HAVEN. 177 

before the Committee — he neglecting to appear or make Ins defense, the evidences 
were called in and sworn : — ( In motion, voted that the evidence is sufficient to convict 
Freeman Huse, jun'r, of a breach of the association by buying and selling Ten, — and 
ordered that he be advertised accordingly, that no person have any further dealing or 
intercourse with him. 

Signed per order of Committee, Jon'th Fitch, Chairman. 

A copy of the minuti Test, Peter Colt, Clerk. 



I, Willi, i in Glen, merchant, being advei tised by the ( iommittee of Inspection in this 
town as a violater of the Continental A ociation for buying tea and selling it at an 
exorbitant price, col a li guilty ol the same, foi which I humbly ask their and 
the public 1 pardon, and promt : for the future my conduct shall be such as shall give 

n ca ion hi offen e, prof ing mj ell firm foi the libertie ol America I desire 

the committee and the public to n tore me to my wonted favor. I am with sincerity 
their must humble and obedient servant, Wm. Gi.i.n 

Til- i >nfe sion of William < Hen being read, voted satisfactory, and ordered to be 
published. Jon. Fitch, Chairman. 

A true copy of the m ■ d by 

May In/, 1770. Mark Leavenworth, Clerk pro tern. 



The subscribers having ei ecte l a Powder Mill near this town, would hereby inform 
the public thai they are ready to receive any quantity of Salt Petre for manufacturing 
into Pow der. I i n I 'oomttle, 

Jeremiah At water. 

U ho u;iii i to pun ha e a quantity of Sulphur, fur which they will give a generous 
pi ice. 

July lOth, 1776. 



To whom it mat concern. — An express having arrived in this town, on Monday 
evening last, I nun <; m ral Washington, on his way to Providence, with Dispatches to 
Governor Cooke and General Spencei : and being in greal want of a horse to proceed, 
application was made to a Justice ol Peace for a warrant to impress one, winch he 
absolutely refused granting. 

New Haven, 8th April, 1777. 

V B. The Printei are at liberty to m mtion the author's name when ever the Jus- 
tice please to call upon them— likewise the names of the persons ready to testify to 
the above charge. 



JVew Haven, July 15f7t, 1778. 

On Wednesday the 8th inst. the /.' i . E ra Stiles, />. />. was inducted and inaugu- 
rated into the Presidency of Vale College, in this town. 

The formalities of this installation were iducted in the following manner : — 

A t half aftet ten in the forenoon, the students were assembled into the Chapel, 
.vl i re the procession was formed, consisting of the Undergraduates and Bachelors. 
At the tolling of the Bell, they moved forward in the President's House to receive 
and escort the Rev'd Corporation, and President Elect; by whom being joined, the 
Procession returned to the chapel in the following order. 

The foui classes of Undergraduates, 

consisting of I Hi students present, 

Bachelors of A i ts, 

The Beadle and Butler, 

carrying 

The College Charter, Records, Key and Seal, 

The Senior presiding Fellow, 

One of the I [on. < Jouncil and the President Elect, 

The Reverend ' !orporation, 

The Professors of Di\ inity and Natural Philosophy, 

The Tutors, 

The Reverend Ministers, 

Masters of Aris, 
Re pi • table Gi ntlemen. 
The Rcv'd Eliphalet Williams, Senioi and Presiding Fellow, began the solemnity 
with prayer; The Oath of fidelity to this state was then administered to the Presi- 
dent Elect, by the Hon. Jabez Hamlin, Esq. one of the Council of the Slate; which 

23 



178 



NEW HAVEN, 



being done, the President elect publickly gave his assent to the Ecclesiastical Consti- 
tution of this Government, and thereupon the Presiding Fellow delivered a Latin 
Oration well adapted to the occasion; in which he committed the < are; Instruction 
and Government of the College to the President Elect: and in the name, ami by the 
authority of the Rev'd Corporation, constituted him Presi&t nt of Yale College in New 
Haven, and Professor o) E< History, and delivered to him the Charter, Rec- 

ords. Key and Seal of the College. — The President being seated in the chair, Sir 
Dana, one of the Senioi Bachelors, addressed him in the Auditory in a beautiful 
Latin Oration, delivered in a graceful manner. Then the President arose and po- 
litely addressed the audi n elegant, learned, and animated Oration in Latin, 
upon the Cych pa dia, or general system of universal literature ; which for the beauty 
or classical diction, elevation of thought and importance to the use ol learning in 
general was worthy its anther. — After which an anthem, the 122 Psalm set to music. 
was sung by the students; and the l closed the solemnity with a blessing. 

The Rev'd Corporation, officers of Institution, Ministers, and ether respectable 
Gentlemen, after a short Recess in the Library, dined together in the College Hall; 
an Entertainment having been provided for the occasion. 



Messi. Printers — By inserting the following in your next Paper, you'll oblige one of 
your constant readers. A. B. 

.A', w Haven, Jan. 30, 1778. 

Last evening, a number of persons in this town, presented a very short Dialogue, 
with a short Farce, to a very large number of spectators, who paid the very reasonable 
price of one dottar each for their seats. Considering the serious state of our public 
affairs, the absolute necessity of industry, and frugality among all tanks of people; 
and more especially among the common tradesmen, mechanicks, &c. (who almost in- 
variably have the vanity of aping their superiors in every fashionable extravaj 
I conceive an entertainment of this kind very improper, bullion account of the ex- 
pense, and the time taken up in preparation for attendance at the exhibition. And 
as the Hon. Continental Congress have strongly injoined on all the good people ol the 
United Slates, to abstain from all expensive diversions, such as Theatrical Entertain- 
ments, Gaming, &c. 1 believe no good Whig, who duly considers the respect due to 
that venerable body, (were there no other objection,) can approve of this transaction. 
I am far from supposing the persons concerned had any criminal design ; but believe 
they engaged without deliberating on the consequences that naturally attend a per- 
formance of this kind, at the present day; but il the sentiments here held forth are 
just, I presume they will be kindly received, and any thing of this sort not attempted 
hereafter. 

The students of Yale College are hereby notified, that the present winter vacation 
is extended a fortnight from the 4th of next month. As this is occasioned by the dif- 
ficulty which the Steward finds in procuring flour or bread, it is earnestly requested. 
of the parents, that they would assist m furnishing the necessary supplies. 

Yale College, January 2'Jlh, 1771*. Ezra Stiles, President. 

Wanted to purchase immediately, 
Two Negro or Mulatto Boys or men, from 14 to 24 years of age. Also wanted a 
second hand Sulkeij. Inquire of the printers. 
New Haven, May 9, 1779. 

The Steward of Yal ints to purchase a quantity of Butter and ( ,; 

for which he will pay the best Kind of Rock salt, Molasses. Continental or Slate's 
money, or part in hard money. 

November 2d, 1780. 



Thursday night last, a small schooner, belonging to this place, having on board a 
valuable cargo, was taken from the Long-wharf, and carried to the enemy. 
November 1G, 1780. 



New Haven, June 28, 1781. 
Yesterday passed through this town on their way to join the American army, the 
Duke Laeuzon with his Legion, consisting of about 600. The strictest order and dis- 
cipline was observed among them. 

New Haven, .YuvemberS, 1781. 
There has been public rejoicings in this and the neighboring towns, on account of 
the signal and important victory obtained by his Excellency General Washington, 



NEW HAVEN. 179 

over General Earl Cornwallis. In this town on Monday las!, a numerous assembly 
convened at the Brick Meeting-House, where the audience were highly entertained 
with an animating, pathetic and ingenious oration, delivered by one of the Tutors of 
the College, and a triumphant Hymn sung by the Students :— the Clergy and a num- 
ber of other gentlemen dined in the State-House ;— in the evening, the State-House, 
College, and all the Houses round the Market-place, were beautifully illuminated: — 
The whole was conducted with the greatest regularity, good nature, festivity and joy. 



We the subscribers being (by the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven, 
Conn.) appointed Commissioners to receive and examine the claims of the several 
creditors of Benedict Arnold, late of New Haven, in New Haven County, now joined 
with the enemies of the United States of America, wlm.se estate hath been in due 
form of law confiscated, give notice to all concerned, that we shall attend to the busi- 
ness of our said appointment, at the dwelling house of Pierpont Edwards, Esq. in 
said New Haven, on the second Monday of December next at two o'clock in the after- 
noon, on the second Monday of January next at the same time of day ; and on the 
third Monday of February next, also at The same time of day. 

Is iac Jones, ) r< ■ • 

.. TT .. , M .^ , ,, m ' > Commissioners. 

New Haven, November 20, ltSl. Michael 1 odd, ) 

All persons that were indebted to said Arnold at the time he joined said enemies, 
are requested by the Subscriber, who is, by said court of Probate, appointed Admin- 
istrator on said Arnold's estate, that was the property of said Arnold at the time he 
joined as aforesaid, are requested to deliver the same to the subscriber, or account 
with him therefor. Pierpont Edwards. 

New Haven, November 29, 1781. 



To be Sold, — At the Subscriber's in Goshen, a young, lusty, and very likely Negro 
Wench, that can cook, wash, and spin either flax or wool. 
July 21, 1780. Hugh Hughes. 

To be sold a Mulatto Slave, about 21 years old, is healthy, strong and active ; well 
acquainted with all kinds of farming business, and can work at the Shoe Maker's 
trade, for further particulars, enquire of Edward Bailer, ol Branford, or the Pun- 
ters he re of 

November 25, 1778. 

Any Gentlemen, Farmers or others, that have any juice extracted from Corn-Stalks, 
which they are desirous of having distilled into Rum ; are hereby notified, that the 
subscribers, Distillers in the town of New Haven, will distill the same on shares, or 
otherwise, as they can agree. And those who please to favor them with their employ, 
may depend on having the strictest justice done them, and their liquor distilled to the 
fullest proof. Or any person that would rather dispose of said juice or Corn-stalks, 
on delivering it at the Distillery, will receive the Market Price ; and every favor will 
be most gratefully acknowledged, by the Public's very obedient servants, 

S pit i iber 24, 1777. Jacobs & Israel. 

N. B. — Private Families may have Cider distilled for their own use by Jacobs & 
Israel. 



In the Connecticut Journal, from which the foregoing advertisements 
and notices are taken, we find the following notice. 

*** We are very sorry that we cannot procure a sufficiency of paper to publish a 
whole sheet: — but as there is now a paper-mill erecting in this town, we expect after 
a few weeks, to be supplied with such a quantity as to publish the Journal regularly 
on a uniform sized paper, and to be able to make ample amends for past deficiencies. 

July 3, 1776. 

The average size of this paper was fourteen inches long, and sixteen 
wide ; occasionally there was a supplement, which varied from six to 
eight inches square. It contained three columns to a side, and was 
printed hy Thomas and Samuel Green, near the College. 

The following is an account of the manner in which the news of 
peace between the United States and Great Britain, at the close of the 
Revolutionary war, was celebrated in New Haven. 



1 80 NEW HAVEN. 

New Haven, May 1st, 1783. 

Thursday last was observed as a day of festivity and rejoicing in this town, on receipt 
of indubitable testimony of the most important, grand and ever memorable event — 
the total cessation of hostilities between Great Britain and these United Slates, and 
the full acknowledgment of their sovereignty and independence. Accordingly the 
day, with the rising sun, was ushered in by the discharge of thirteen cannon, paraded 
on the Green for that purpose, under elegant silk colors, with the Coat of Arms of 
the United States most ingeniously represented thereon, which was generously contri- 
buted upon the occasion by the ladies of the town. At 9 o'clock in the forenoon, the 
inhabitants met in the brick Meeting-house for divine service, where were convened 
a very crowded assembly : the service was opened with an anil. em, then a very perti- 
nent prayer, together with thanksgiving, was made by the Rev. Dr. Stiles, President 
of Yale College ; after was sung some lines purposely composed for the occasion, by 
the singers of all the congregations in concert : Then followed a very ingenious Ora- 
tion, spoken by Mr. Elizur Goodrich, one of the Tutors of the College ; after which 
a very liberal collection was made for the poor of the town, to elevate their hearts for 
rejoicing. The service concluded with an anthem. 

A number of respectable gentlemen of the town dined together at the Cofiee- 
House : after dinner several patriotic toasts were di unk. 

At 3 o'clock were discharged thirteeen cannon — at -1 twenty one ditto — at 5 seven 
ditto — at 6 thirteen ditto — at 7 weie displayed the fire-works, with rockets, serpents, 
&c. — at nine o'clock a bonfire on the green concluded the diversons of the day. The 
whole affair was conducted with a decorum and decency uncommon for such occa- 
sions, without any unfortunate accident : a most pacific disposition and heart-felt joy 
was universally conspicuous and most emphatically expressed by the features of every 
countenance. 



April 13th, 1735, the " Connecticut Silk Society" was established 
by a number of the principal inhabitants of New Haven, which had lin- 
ks object the " culture and manufacture of silk, throughout the state 
of Connecticut." A large number of mulberry trees for this purpose 
were planted on the outskirts of the city, many of which are still re- 
maining. 

The following list of newspapers and other periodical works, pub- 
lished in New Haven, Conn, is furnished by a gentleman of the place, 
who lias drawn it from a detailed manuscript catalogue by him prepar- 
ed. It is believed to be nearly complete. 

The Connecticut Gazette, printed by James Parker, near the 1 lay Market. Weekly. 
Begun in April ? 1755; suspended April II. 1764; revived July .">. 1765, by Benjamin 
Mecom, and ended with No. 596, Feb. 19, 1768 — The Connecticut Journal and New 
Haven Post Boy. Begun October 23, 17<i',. by Thomas and Samuel Green. It passed 
through the hands of many publishers, and ended with No. 3517, April 7. 1635. — The 
New Haven Gazette, by Meigs, Bowen & Dana ; begun May 13, 1784; ended Feb- 
ruary 9, 1736. Weekly. — The New Haven Gazette and the Connecticut Magazine, 

bv Meigs & Dana. Be^un February lb\ 1736 ; ended . Weekly. — American 

Musical Magazine, monthly, 4to. published by Amos Doolitlle and Daniel Read. 10 
numbers; about 1768. — The New Haven Gazette, begun January 5, 1790; ended 
June 29, 1791. Weekly. — Federal Gazetteer, begun in February, 17!»6; weekly; 

ended . The Messenger, begun January 1, 1800; ended August 9, 1802. 

Weekly.— The Sun of Liberty, begun in 1300; ended . The Visitor, begun 

October 30, 1802, and Nov. 3, 1803, became the Connecticut Post and New Haven 
Visitor. Supposed to have ended November 8,1804. Weekly.— The Churchman's 
Monthly Magazine, 8vo. monthly, begun January, 1804. Four volumes published. — 
Connecticut Herald, begun 1804, 1>\ Comstock, tin-Mold & Co. Weekly. — The 
Literary Cabinet, begun November 15, 1806; ended October 31, 1307: edited by 
members of the Senior Class in Yale College. 8vo. pp. 160. — Belles-Letlres Reposi- 
tory, edited and published by Samuel Woodworth ; begun and ended in 1808. — 
Memoirs of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences. 8vo., begun 1810 ; ended 
1813- PP- 412.— Columbian Register, begun December 1, 1812. Weekly. — The 
Athenaeum, begun February 12, 1814; ended August 6, 1314: edited by Students of 
Yale College. 8vo. pp. 120.— Religious Intelligencer, begun June 1, 1816. 8vo. — The 



NEW HAVEN. 1S1 

Guardian, monthly, commenced 1818, ended Dec. 1828; 10 vols, published.— The 
Christian Spectator, 8vo. monthly, begun January, 1819 ; ended in this form, Dec. 
1828. It has been continued since as a Quarterly.— The American Journal of Science 
and Arts, conducted by Benjamin Silliman ; begun 1818. Quarterly. Volume 31 
was published in .Ian., "1837.— The Microscope, edited by a Fraternity of Gentlemen, 
begun March 21, 1820; ended September 8, 18-20. 8vo. pp. 200. Semi-weekly.— The 
National Pilot, begun' October, 1821; ended in 1821.— United States Law Journal 
and Civilian's Magazine. 8vo. quarterly, begun June, 1822 ; ended 1823 1— American 

Eagle, begun 1826; ended . New Haven Chronicle, begun February, 1827; 

ended about June, 1832.— New Haven Advertiser, begun May 1, 1821); ended October 
30,1832. Semi-weekly.— New Haven Palladium: weekly; begun Nov. 7, 1829.— 
The Sitting Room, edited by members of Yale College, 1830. — New Haven City 
Gazette, begun April 1, 1830; ended May 7, 1831. Weekly.— The Miscellany, 

semi-monthly, begun November 12,1830; ended . The Student's Companion, 

by the Knights of the Round Table, 8vo. ; begun January, 1831 ; ended May, 1831. 
Monthly.— The Little Gentleman, begun January 1, 1831 ; ended April 29, 1831. 
18mo.— National Republican,S,begun July 26, 1831'; ended March, 1,832.— The Boy's 
Saturday Journal, begun December 3, 1831, ended February 18, 1832; in 12 numbers, 
48mo.— The Literary Tablet, semi-monthly; begun March 3, 1832; ended March 
29, 1834. — The Sabbath School Record, l2mo. monthly; begun January, 1832, ended 

December, 1833. — The Child's Cabinet, monthly, begun April, 1832, ended . 

Daily Herald, begun November 26, 1832. — Wati htower of Freedom, begnn October 

20. 1832; ended- . Morning Register, (daily,) begun November, 1833, ended 

— ■ Morning Palladium, (daily and thrice a. week,) begun Nov. 15, 1833, ended 

Jan. 1834. The Medley, conducted by an Association oi the Students of Yale College ; 
begun March, ended June, 1833. 8vo. pp. 166. — Journal of Freedom, weekly; begun 
jn May, 1834, ended about May, 1835. — Jeffersonian Democrat, begun June 7, 1834, 
and continued about six weeks.' Weekly.— The Microcosm or the Little World of 
Home, Hvo. monthly ; begun July, 1834.— The Perfectionist, monthly; begun August 
20, 1834; ended March 15, 1836. The last lour numbers bore the name of the New 
Covenant Record. — Literary Emporium, 4to. begun June 16. 1835. — Religious Intelli- 
gencer and New Haven Journal, begun January 2, 1836. — The American Historical 
Magazine and Literary Record, begun January, 1836 : monthly, 8vo. — Yale Literary 
Magazine, conducted by the Students of Yale College ; begun Feb. 1836. 8vo. 3 num- 
bers per term. — Chronicle of the Church, 4to. begun Friday, Jan. 6, 1837. 

Previous to about the year 1800, that part of the public square now 
denominated the Upper Green was used as a public burying ground. In 
1796, the honorable James Hillhouse purchased, near the northwest 
corner of the original town plot, a field of ten acres ; which, aided by 
several gentlemen, he leveled and inclosed. The field was then divi- 
ded into parallelograms, railed and separated by alleys : the whole field, 
except four lots given to the several congregations and the College, 
and a lot destined for the reception of the poor, was distributed into 
family burying places ; purchased at the expense actually incurred, and 
secured by law from civil process. Each family burying lot is 32 feet 
in length and eighteen in breadth. In 1821, the monuments in the old 
burying ground were removed to the new. There are, however, some 
of the old monuments which still remain standing under the Center 
church, that building being erected over part of the ancient burying 
place. The following inscription is on a marble slab affixed on the 
west end of the Center church. 

" From the settlement of New Haven, 1638, to 1796, the adjoining ground was occu- 
pied as a common place of burial. Then a new burying ground was opened anddivi- 
ded into family lots and city squares. — In 1813 this church was placed over the monu- 
ments of several whose names are engraved on tablets in the vestibule. In 1821 the 
remaining monuments were by the consent of survivors, and under the direction of 
the city, removed to the new ground. 

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, 
At the last trump the dead shall be raised." 



1S2 NEW HAVEN. 

The following is engraved on the monument of Gov. Eaton, which 
has been removed to the new ground. 
Theophilus Eaton, Esqr. Govt, dec'd. Jan'y 7, 1607. iEtat. 67. 
Eaton so fam'd, so wise,sojust, 
'I'lif Phoenix of our woi Id, here hides his dust, 
This name forget, N.England never.must. 
Wm. Jones, Esqr. D.Govr.dec'd Oct. 17, 1700, /Etat.S2. Hannah Jones, daughter 
of Govt'. Eaton, did May 1, 1 T« <7. .Etat. 7-1 

The last part of the above, from the poetic lines, is a modern addi- 
tion ; the following lines being taken out in order to give place for it. 

T" attend you, sir, under these tiamed stones, 
Are come your honored Son and daughter J 

On each hand to repose their weary bones. 

"Here lyeth interred the body of the reverend and learned Mr. Thomas Clap, the 
late President of Yale College, in New Haven ; a truly great man, a gentleman of su- 
perior natural genius, most assiduous application, and indefatigable industry. In the 
various branches of learning he greatly excelled; an accomplished instructor; a pat- 
ron of the College; a great divine, bold for the truth; a zealous promoter and defender 
of the doctrines of grace; Qf unaffected piety, and a pattern of every virtue; the ten- 
derest of fathers and the best of friends ; the glory of learning, and the ornament of re- 
ligion ; for thirteen years the faithful and much respected pastor of the church in 
Windham ; and near twenty-seven years, the laborious and principal President of the 
College, and served his own generation by the will of God, with serenity and calmness, 
he fell on sleep, the 7th day of January, 17G7, in his sixty-fourth year. 
" Death, great proprietor of all, 

'Tin thine to tread out empires. 

And to quench the stars." 



The two following inscriptions are on monuments erected by the 

corporation of Yale College. 

Hie jacet sepultus Ezra Stiles, s. t. d. ll d. Qui Alta Mente prasditus, Eruditione 
omnigena imbutus, Urbanitate suavissima, Moribus probis, Charilate, Fide, Pietate 
evangelica; Offieiis Patris, Amici, Praeceptoris, Ecclesia ministri, hominis, Enitens ; 
suis percarus, In Ecclesia magno ctiltu dignalus, Per terras honore habitus, Visit. 

Lacrymis Omnium Obiit; Man xnmo mdccxcvIo. iEtat. i.xviiiyo. Ecclesiae ndae, 
Nov. Port. Rhod. Ins. Pastor annos Xxn; Collegii Yalensis Tutor vi, Prasses xvm. 
Senatus Academicus Coll. Yal. hoc saxum posuit. 

Hie sepultus jacet Vir ille admodum reverendus Timotheus Dwight, s. t. d. ll. n. 
Collegii Yalensis Prases, et ejusdem Sacrosanctffi Theologian Professor : Glui De Lit- 
teris, de Religione, de Patria optime meritus ; Maximo suoi mn et bonorum omnium 
desiderio, mortem obiit, Die xi. Januar. Anno Domini md< ci xvm. vEtatis sua' i.xv. 

Ecclesiae Greenfieldiensis Pastor Annos xn. Collegii Yalensis Tutor vi. Praises 
xxn. Senatus Collegii Yalensis Hoc Saxum Ponendum Curavit. 



Sacred to the memory of Joseph, eldest son of Hezekiah and Mehitabcl Frith of the 

Island of Bermuda, a member of the Senior class in Yale College He survived 

his wound but -J I hours, and left this world for a better, on the Lord's day. October 5th, 
1806, aged 10 years, 9 months and 11 days. — His virtues had gamed the love of all who 
knew him, and his remembrance to his bereaved friends, who have experienced a loss 
which Time will never repair. 

< Iropp'd like a rose, before "lis fully blown, 

Or hall its worth disclosed. 

This young man was killed, it is said, in a hunting excursion, by an 
ill directed discharge of a gun by one of his companions, who was 
hunting partridges in the bushes. It appears that the friends of young 
Frith had the impression that he was shot by design, and in accordance 
with this belief inserted something on his monument which gave this 
impression. His companions, feeling that this was an unjust and inju- 
rious reflection, demolished the slab on which the offensive words were 



1 i 



b 



rf 









g 



/ -? 7 



L N E W H A V E lA 



183 



inserted, and plafced another in its room, without any inscription. This 
accounts for the apparently disconnected mention of a wound. 

The monument of Col. Humphreys stands near the southwestern part 

of the yard. It is composed of granite, and is about twelve feet in 

height. The following inscription is upon two tablets of copper, which 

are inserted into the sides of the pedestal. 

David Humphreys, LL. D. Acad. Scient. Pliilad. Mass. et 
Connect, et in Anglia Aqua Solis, el Regise Societat. socius. 
Patriae et libertatis amore accensus, juvenis vitam reipub. 
integram consecravit. Patriam armis tuebatur, consiliis 
auxit, Uteris exornavit, apud exteras gentes concordia sta- 

bilivit. In bello gerendo maximi ducis Washington 

administer et adjutor; in exercilu patrio Chiliarchus; in 
republica Connecticutensi, militum evocatorum imperator; 
ad aulam Lusitan. et Hispan. legatus. Iberia reversus na- 
tale solum vellere vere aureo ditavit. In Histoiia ct Poe.si 
scriptor eximius; in artibus et scientiis excolendis, qua vel 
decori vel usui inserviunt, optimus ipse et patronuset exem- 
plar. Omnibus demum officiis expletis, cursuq; vitae felici- 
ter peracto, fato cessit, Die xxi Februar. Anno Domini 
MDCccxvni, cum annus vixisset lxv. 

The above may be rendered into English in the 

following manner. 

David Humphreys, Doctor of Laws, Member of the Acad- 
emy of Sciences of Philadelphia, Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut; of the Bath [Agricultural] Society, and of the 
Royal Society of London. — Fired with the love of country 
and of liberty, he consecrated his youth wholly to the service 
of the Republic, which he defended by his a tins, aided by his 
counsels, adorned by his learning, and preserved in harmony 
with foreign nations. In the field, he was the companion 
and aid of the great Washington, a Colonel in the army of Humphreys'' Monument. 
his country, and commander of the Veteran Volunteers of 

Connecticut. He went Embassador to the courts of Portugal and .Spain, and return- 
ing, enriched his native land with the true golden fleece. He was a distinguished His- 
torian and Poet; — a model and patron of Science, and of the ornamental and useful 
arts. After a full discharge of every duty, and a life well spent, he died on the 21st 
day of February, 1818, aged 65 years. 





Ashmuii's Tomb. 

The above is a representation of the monument erected to the me- 
mory of Jehudi Ashmun, Esq. the first Colonial Agent at Monrovia, 
Africa ; it is formed after the model of the tomb of Scipio, at Rome. 



184 



NEW HAVEN. 



The monuments of Mr. Whitney, (the inventor of the Cotton Gin,) 
and the late Dr. Nathan Smith are of the same form. The following 
is the inscription on Mr. Ashmun's monument. 

Ashmun-. First Colonial Agent at Liberia, Africa. Born at Champlain, N. Y. 
Ap. -Jlst, 1794. Landed in Africa, Aug. 8, 1822. Died at New Haven, Aug. 25, 1828. 
Erected by the Am. Colon. Soc. 1829. 

Mr. Ashmun arrived in New Haven about a fortnight before his 
death, laboring under severe bodily infirmities, brought on by his labors 
and exposures, in a tropical climate, for the benefit of the African co- 
lony. His constitution was so broken down by the hardships which he 
had endured, that the best medical skill could not save him from an 
early grave. 

His funeral was attended by a large concourse of citizens, the faculty 
and members of Yale College, a number of the neighboring clergy, 
and the governor of the State. His remains were carried to the Cen- 
ter church, where an appropriate and eloquent sermon was delivered 
by the Rev. Mr. Bacon. Just as the services commenced, an affect- 
ing scene look place, — the mother of Mr. Ashmun, in her traveling 
dress, came into the congregation, supported by two persons, who con- 
ducted her to a seat. She had just arrived from the shores of Lake 
Champlain, to visit her son in his last illness, whom she had not seen 
for twelve years. But she was too late ; she could only reach forth her 
aged hand and touch his coffin. 

Eli Whitney, the inventor of the Cotton Gin. Of useful Science and Arts, the effi- 
cient patron ami improver. Born Dec'r 8th, 17G5. Died Jan. 8th, 1825. In the social 
relations of life, a model of excellence. While private affection weeps at his tomb, 
his country honors his memory. 



In memory of Lucretia Pickering, wife of Samuel F. B. Morse, who died Feb. 7th, 
A. D. 1825, aged 25 years. She combined in her character and person a rare assem- 
blage of excellence. Beautiful in form, features, and explosion, peculiarly bland in 
her manners, highly cultivated in her mind, she irresistibly drew attention, love, and 
respect. Dignified without haughtiness, amiable without lameness, firm without se- 
verity, and cheerful without levity, her uniform sweetness of temper spread a perpet- 
ual sunshine around every circle in which she moved. " When the ear heard her it 
blessed her; when the eye saw her it gave witness to her." In sufferings the most 
keen her serenity of mind never failed her, death to her had no terror, the grave no 
gloom ; though suddenly called from earth, eternity was no stranger lo her thoughts, 
but a welcome theme of contemplation. Religion was the sun that illumined every 
varied virtue, and united all in one bow of beauty. Her's was the religion of the 
gospel, Jesus Christ her foundation, the author and finisher of her faith. In Him she 
rests in sure expectation of a glorious resurrection. 



Col. William Lyon, born March G, 1718, died Oct. 12, 1830. He was the first 
Cashier of the first Bank established in this city. Scrupulously exact in his inter- 
course with others, he was rigidly faithful in the discharge of every trust committed 
to him. Ardent in the pursuit of literature, his acquaintance with the biography, 
manners and customs of his native State was minute and extensive: and history, an- 
cient and modern, especially that relating to the land of his forefathers, was to him 
peculiarly familiar: unshaken in the principles of civil liberty he abhorred tyranny 
in every form. " He loved mercy and walked humbly with his God." 



In the year 1667, the Rev. Mr. Davenport of New Haven, having 
been invited to take charge of the first church in Boston, accepted the 
invitation, and next year removed to that capital. He had been about 



BETHANY. 185 

thirty years minister at New Haven, and was greatly esteemed and 
beloved by his congregation. His church were very unwilling that he 
should leave them, and never formally gave their consent. Owing to 
his removal, the church and congregation at New Haven were for many 
years unable to unite in the choice of a person to take the pasto- 
ral charge of them. Mr. Davenport died at Boston, of an apoplexy, 
March 15th, 1670, in the 73d year of his age. 

In Sir Fernando Gorges' " Wonder-working Providence," &c. a re- 
lation of the planting of the New Haven colony is given. Speaking of 
Mr. Davenport, it mentions the judicious and godly Mr. John Daven- 
port, of whom the author is bold to say as followed) : 

When men and Devils 'gainst Christ's flock conspire, 

For them prepar'd a deadly trapping net: 
Then Christ to make all men his work admire, 

Davenport, he doth thee from thy country fet 
To sit in Synod, ami his folk assist: 

The filthy vomit of Hels Dragon, deepe 
In Earth's womb drawn, blest they this poison mist, 

And blest the meanes doth us from error keep. 
Thy grave advice and arguments of strength 

Did much prevail, the errorist confound. 
Well hast thou warr'd, Christ draws thy daycs in length, 

That thou in learn'd experience mays't abound: 
What though thou leave a city stor'd with pleasure, 

Spend thy prime days in heathen desert land, 
Thy joy's in Christ, and not in earthly treasure, 

Davenport rejoice, Christ's kingdome is at hand ; 
Didst ever deem to see such glorious dayes ? 

Though thou decrease with age and earth's content, 
Thou liv'st in Christ, needs then must thy joy raise; 

His liingdome's thine, and that ne'er be spent. 



BETHANY 



Bethany was incorporated as a town in 1832. It was previously a 
parish in the town of Woodbridge, by the name of Bethany. It is up- 
wards of five miles in length and four in breadth, bounded n. by Pros- 
pect and Waterbury, w. by Oxford, s. by Woodbridge, and e. by Ham- 
den. The central part of the town is ten miles from New Haven. The 
inhabitants are principally farmers, and the population of the town has 
not perhaps varied much during the last twenty or thirty years. The 
township is hilly and in some parts mountainous, and some portions of 
the town are not calculated for cultivation, and have been suffered tore- 
main for wood and timber, which is of an excellent quality. 

About 14 miles from New Haven, the main road to Waterbury pass- 
es by Beacon mountain, a rude ridge of almost naked rock, stretching 
southwest; at this place is c: Collins' tavern," long known as an excel- 
lent public house, and the " Straitsville post office." About half a mile 
south of Mr. Collins', the road passes through a narrow defile, formed 
by a gap in the mountain, and is barely sufficient in width for a road 
and a small but sprightly brook, which winds through the narrow pas- 

24 



186 BETHANY. 

sage. On both sides, the cliffs are lofty, particularly on the west ; on 
the east, at a little distance from the road, they overhang in a threaten- 
ing manner. — " The ridges of the Beacon mountain present fine geo- 
logical and picturesque features, and are much more abrupt and grand 
than most of the mica slate regions of Connecticut." 

On the night following the Mth of March, 1780, the house of Capt. 
Ebenezer Dayton, then residing in this place, was broken into and rob- 
bed by seven men, who were tories, and headed by a British officer, 
from Long Island. Mr. Dayton's house was situated nearly opposite 
where the first meeting house in Bethany was erected, about half a mile 
south of the present Congregational church, and about ten miles n. w. 
of New Haven. The particulars of this robbery were obtained from 
the Rev. Mr. Dayton, son of Capt. Dayton mentioned above. Mr. 
Dayton, who belonged to Long Island, was, on account of his attach- 
ment to the American cause, obliged to leave that island, and bring his 
effects with him to Bethany. A number of men, some of his neigh- 
bors, were obliged to leave the island for the same cause, and brought 
a considerable quantity of money with them, and for a while resided in 
Mr. Dayton's house. With these facts, the robbers appear to have be- 
come acquainted. At the time of the robbery, Mr. Dayton was absent 
on business at Boston, and the men who had been staying in the house, 
had left the day before, so that there was no one in the house but his 
wife, Mrs. Phebe Dayton, three small children and two servant color- 
ed children. About midnight, while they were all asleep, the window 
in the bedroom where Mrs. Dayton was sleeping, was burst in at once ; 
seven armed men rushed in, passed through the room, and immediately 
rushed into the chambers, expecting (it is supposed) to find the men 
who had left the day before. While they were up stairs, Mrs. Dayton 
went to the front part of the house, raised the window, and endeavored 
to alarm the neighbors. Mr. Hawley, the minister of the parish, and 
Dr. Hooker, the physician of the place, both lived within 20 rods dis- 
tance, both had lights in their houses at the time, and both heard the 
alarm, but did not know from whence it proceeded. The robbers, hear- 
ing Mrs. Dayton, came down, and tearing a sheet into strips, tied her 
hands behind her, made her sit in a chair, and placed her infant, (about 
six months old,) in her lap, while one of the robbers, placing the muz- 
zle of his gun near her head, kept her in this position for about two 
hours, while the house was thoroughly ransacked from top to bottom. 
They found about 450 pounds in gold and silver, which belonged to 
Mr. Dayton, besides other valuable articles; what they could not con- 
veniently carry off they wantonly destroyed, breaking in pieces all the 
crockery, furniture, &,c. The whole amount of property carried off 
and destroyed, including bonds, notes, &,c. amounted to five thousand 
pounds. The robbers left the house about 2 o'clock, and went to a 
place in Middlebury called Gunn-town, where they were secreted in a 
cellar by a family who were friendly to the British cause. While they 
were on their way to Gunn-town, they met a young man by the name 
of Chauncey Judd, of Waterbury, on a bridge, who had been to see 



BETHANY. 187 

the young lady he afterwards married. Fearing he might discover 
them, they took him along with them. In the cellar kitchen where 
they were all secreted, there was a well. Into this well they talked of 
putting Mr. Judd ; hut the old lady of the house begged they would 
not think of it, as it would spoil the water. They stayed in this house 
a number of days : afterwards they went to Oxford, where they were 
secreted for several days longer in a barn ; from thence they went to 
Stratford, took a whale boat, and crossed over to Long Island. The 
people at Derby, having received information of their passing through 
that place, two whale boats and crews, commanded by Capt. William 
Clarke and Capt. James Harvey, pursued them to the Island, and were 
fortunate enough to catch them all but one, just within the British lines. 
They were brought back, tried, condemned, and sent to Newgate; they 
however broke prison, and finally fled to Nova Scotia. 



It was customary in this, as in many others places, in ancient times, to 
have nicknames for many of the inhabitants. These names originated 
from various circumstances. The following may answer as specimens : 
Teachurn, Hiccups, Toad-mounter, Satan's kingdom, fyc. were names 
by which some of the most respectable inhabitants of Bethany were de- 
signated. Teachurn was the schoolmaster of the place, — he derived his 
name from his occupation : Hiccups was the name of an Indian, — it 
was applied to a person of very dark complexion. Toad-mounter de- 
rived his name from the following occurrence — this person, to show 
what could be done, took a piece of board and placed the central part 
on a stick of timber ; he then put a toad on one end, and struck the 
other with considerable force, with an axe or club, — the consequence 
was, that the toad was mounted to a considerable height ; in allusion to 
this feat, he ever afterwards went by the name of Toad-mounter. The 
person who went by the name of Satan's kingdom was a deacon and 
justice of the peace. This ungracious name was given in consequence 
of an unfortunate mistake. The minister of the place being sick, the 
deacon was called upon to officiate in his stead, it being the custom in 
those days, in the absence of the minister, for the deacon or some other 
principal person to make a prayer in the pulpit and read some approved 
sermon. The time, place, and occasion, all probably tended to disturb 
that collection of thought in the mind of the deacon, which would be 
desirable on such occasions. Instead, therefore, of praying that Satan's 
kingdom might be destroyed, as he intended, he prayed that Satan's 
kingdom might be established. A mistake of this kind, and on such an 
occasion, of course could not be easily forgotten. 



The following account of the industry of a Bear, (copied from the 
Connecticut Journal of July 5th, 1766,) was taken from a man who 
was an active and eye witness to part of the scene, which happened at 
Bethany, about twelve miles from this town, [New Haven.] 

He says that on the morning of the 8th of April (17C6) last, his brother missed a 
three weeks old calf, which was housed the night before, in a small building. It ap- 
peared that the Bear tried to get under the sill of the door by removing two or three 



183 BRANFORD. 

bushels of dirt, but some stone hindered his passage that way ; upon this disappoint- 
ment, he changed his measures, and worked against the door with so much strength 
that he drew six tenpenny nails out of the wooden hinges and ketch of the latch. 'Tis 
supposed he did this by putting his paws under the door and prying and pushing, by 
which means he got in and carried off the best of two calves, a great part of which 
was lound in a swamp about half a mile from the house. 'Twas observed that the 
track of the Bear was plain, but no appearance of his dragging the calf along the 
ground, so that he must have carried it on his back. While people were looking for 
the calf, a favorite old dog, called Beaver, suddenly left his master and soon alter re- 
turned wounded, supposed in an engagement with the Bear. On a morning about 
a fortnight afterwards, the Bear was discovered eating a lamb about a mile and a half 
from the other place. After he was scared from thence by dogs who lugged him, 'tis 
said that he was three times driven from a Hock of sheep about four miles from the last 
place. He then destroyed a hive of bees at another place. About four days after 
this performance he returned to the dwelling house near which he seized ihe calf, and 
at night unpatled the wooden bars which defended the window ol a milk room, got 
in and feasted on a tray of milk, turned another over and spilt it, then took up a punch 
bowl containing about three quarts of cream, carefully carried it thiough the window, 
near fifteen feet from die house, without spilling ; and after he had drunk or lapped it, 
genteelly turned the bowl bottom upwards (as if he had drank a dish of tea for break- 
fast) and left it whole. The noise occasioned by the Bear's returning out ol the win- 
dow (which to be sure must have been greater than the noise occasioned by getting in) 
disturbed the man and his wife, who got up to discover the cause. They soon lound 
where the robber got in ; and both together putting their heads out at a window under 
which the bear happened to be, he rose up, like a lion rampant, and struck at them 
with his paws. The woman screamed, the man shuddered, got his gun and loaded it. 
The Bear was then mounted on the rails of a fence. The man shot, the Bear roared, 
and made off. The man then sent an express for his brother (the author of this story) 
who soon appeared with a good gun and his young dog Drover. Alter hunting 
awhile, they discovered the Bear lying in aswamp. Drover(who had never beforeseen 
a Bear) made towards him with a kind of half courage, as if unwilling to be thought 
a coward, at the same time prudently determining to do nothing rashly. 'Twas now 
remarked that brave old Beaver instead of running at the Bear, attacked Drover and 
prevented him showing how much he dared to do. This uncommon and seemingly 
strange behavior of Beaver (since it allowed their actions to speak louder than words) 
was reasonably imputed to a natural jealousy, lest Drover should have the honor of 
disabling Bruin, which Beaver seemed sensible he had done before, and therefore 
claimed and strove to maintain the respect due to his merit. Drover's master then 
shot, the Bear groaned hideously, and both dogs fell on him, who at last forced him 
to take shelter in a tree. There he was suffered to remain till daylight, when another 
shot brought him to the ground. His carcass weighed lb'2 lbs. and it appeared that 
six bullets had been shot through at three charges. Let it here be supposed that he 
was wounded once for killing the calf, once for eating the lamb, and once for destroy- 
ing the bee-hive. For lapping the milk, oversetting the rest, stealing the cream, and 
damaging a garden, he was worried by the dogs. Several punishments for different 
crimes, all of which the same Bear was judged guilty of, and thus suffered for. His 
body was quartered, and partly eaten ai Bethany, and the remainder brought to this 
town as a rarity. 



BRANFORD 



Branford was purchased by the New Haven colonists in Decem- 
ber, 1633, a few days after they had bought New Haven, of Momauguin, 
sachem of Quinnipiac. The occasion of its first settlement was owing 
to a division among the people at Wethersfield. The members of the 
church at this place removed to Connecticut without their pastor, and 
having no settled minister at first, fell into unhappy contentions and ani- 
mosities. These continued for a number of years, and divided the in- 
habitants of the town, as well as the brethren of the church. They 
were the means of scattering the inhabitants, and of the formation of 
new settlements and churches in other places. Great pains were taken 



BRANFORD. 



189 



to compose their differences, but all attempts to effect this object were 
unsuccessful. Mr. Davenport and some of the brethren of the church 
at New Haven were sent for, in order to effect a reconciliation. The 
advice which Mr. Davenport and his brethren gave was, that if they 
could not be united among themselves, it would be expedient for one 
of the parties to remove and commence another settlement. This ad- 
vice was ultimately followed. 

In 1644, a tract of land was sold by New Haven to Mr. William 
Svvaim and others, for the accommodation of those persons in Wethers- 
field who wished to remove. The settlement of the town was imme- 
diately commenced.* At the same time, Mr. Abraham Pierson, with 
part of his church and congregation, from Southampton, on Long Island, 
removed and united with the people of Wethersfield in the settlement 
of the town. A regular church was soon formed, and Mr. Pierson was 
chosen pastor. The town was named Branford. 




Branford, {central part.) 

The above shows the appearance of the Congregational and Episco- 
pal churches and the academy, from the west, as you pass the main road 
towards Guilford, 7 miles from New Haven. The Congregational 
church is seen on the right ; the next building, with a cupola, is the 
academy. The Episcopal church is the building with three windows 



* Sept. 5, 1640. — The Genera] Court, at New Haven, made a grant of Totokett to 
Mr. Samuel Eaton, brother of Gov. Eaton, upon the condition of his procuring a num- 
ber of his friends from England, to make a settlement in that tract of country. Mr. 
Eaton failed in fulfilling the conditions. — About three years after, the subject was 
acted upon thus: " Totokett, a place fit for a small plantation, betwixt New Haven and 
Guilford, and purchased from the Indians, was granted to Mr. Swayne and some oth- 
ers in Wethersfield, they repaying the charges, which are betwixt £12 and £13, and 
joining in one jurisdiction with New Haven and the forenamed plantations, upon the 
same fundamental agreement settled in October, 1643, which they duly considering 
accepted." — 2v. Haven records. 



190 BRANFORD. 

in front. These buildings stand upon a large and open area, irregular 
in its form and uneven on its surface. The burying ground is situated 
a short distance eastward of the house seen on the extreme right. 

At the time of the union of the colony of New Haven with Connect- 
icut, all the towns under the jurisdiction of New Haven were satisfied 
with the union, except Bran ford. Mr. Pierson and almost his whole 
church and congregation were so displeased, that they soon removed to 
Newark, in New Jersey. They carried off the records of the church 
and town, and after it had been settled about five and twenty years, left 
it almost without inhabitants. For more than twenty years from that 
time, there was not a church formed in the town. People from various 
parts of the colony gradually moved into it, and purchased lands of the 
first planters, so that in about twenty years it became resettled. In 
1685, it was reinvested with town privileges.* 

The township is bounded n. by North Branford, w. by East Haven, 
e. by Guilford, and s. by Long Island sound. Its average length from 
east to west is about 7 miles, and its breadth 4. The surface of the 
town is uneven, being composed of hills and valleys; the soil is strong, 
but cold. When quickened with manure, it yields rich crops. The 
inhabitants are principally farmers. There is no considerable river in 
the town ; the largest stream discharges itself into the harbor, which is 
small but convenient, admitting vessels from 40 to 60 tons. There is 
a cluster of small islands belonging to this town, called Thimble Isl- 
ands, and another cluster called Indian Islands. Various kinds of 
salt water fish are taken plentifully in almost every month in the year. 
There are 8 vessels belonging to this town, manned by about fifty 
hands, which are engaged in taking salmon in the river Kennebeck, in 
the state of Maine. This business is commenced about the 1st of April, 
and continued till the 1st of July. The inhabitants of Branford are 
generally industrious, and property is very much equalized. In 1835, 
they had but one town pauper. 

About the year 1740 was a time of great attention to the subject of 
religion in almost every part of the country. The religious part of the 
community were mostly divided in two parties, the New Lights and 
the Old Lights. The New Lights were active and zealous, in the 
discharge of every thing which they conceived to be their religious du- 
ty, and were in favor of Mr. Whitfield and others, itinerating through 
the country and stirring up the people to reform, &c. The Old Lights 
considered much of their zeal as wild-fire, and endeavored to suppress 
it. In the year 1741, when the grand council met at Guilford, the 
association drew up several resolutions to be laid before that council ; 
among which was the following : " That, for a minister, to enter into 
another minister's parish, and preach, or administer the seals of the cov- 
enant, without the consent of, or in opposition to the settled minister of 
the parish is disorderly, &c." A majority of the ministers being of the 
Old Light stamp, " they expelled from the association, all the zealous 
Calvinistic preachers, or enthusiasts as they esteemed them, except Mr. 

* Dr. Trumbull. 



BRANFORD. 191 

Robbins of Branford, a young preacher, who had been ordained about 
eight or ten years." Him they disciplined, he. for some time. His 
first offense seems to have been his preaching for the Baptists, who 
had established themselves in the first society of Wallingford about 1735. 
Mr. John Merriman, their pastor, had requested some of the standing 
ministers to preach occasionally for them. There was a complaint made 
against Mr. Robbins for his irregular preaching, and he was required 
to make a confession. As he could not conscientiously acknowledge 
that his preaching to the Baptists was contrary to the word of God, or 
the Saybrook platform, he refused to make the confession they desired, 
although it was evident he wished to live in harmony with his brethren 
in the ministry. 

After a variety of proceedings against Mr. Robbins, he (Mr. R.) 
laid the case before the society meeting at BranfOrd. The meeting 
was very full, and the following votes were passed. 

" 1. That this society is of opinion, that what our pastor has offered to the associa- 
tion of New Haven county, relating to his preaching to the Baptists in Wallingford, 
is sufficient." 

"2. That this society desire the Rev. Mr. Robbins to continue in the ministry 
among us, notwithstanding his preaching to the Baptists, and what the consociation of 
New Haven county have done thereon." 

" 3. That we desire the Rev. consociation and association not to send any councils 
or committees among us, unless the society desire it." 

" 4. That a particular people have a light to choose their own minister; and as no 
ecclesiastical authority has right to impose one upon them without their vote and con- 
sent, so no authority has right to censure, suspend or depose a minister regularly or- 
dained, without the vote and consent of his people." 

" 5. That we cannot submit to the act or conclusions of any councils respecting the 
ministry among us, that are made without the vote and consent of this society." 

Votes in the affirmative, 52 — in the negative, 15. 

At a church meeting in Branford, Nov. 4th, 1745, the church passed the following 
votes : 

"1. That we renounce the Saybrook platform, and cannot receive it as a rule of 
government and discipline in the church." 

" 2. That we declare this church to be a congregational church." 

" 3. That we receive the scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the only per- 
fect rule and platform of church government and discipline." 

" 4. That though we receive the scriptures as the only perfect rule; yet as we know 
of no human composure that comes nearer to the scriptures in matters of church go- 
vernment and discipline, than the Cambridge platform; so we approve of that for 
substance, and take it for our platform, agreeably to the word of God." 

" 5. That we are not hereby straightened in our charity, but free to hold communion, 
not only with congregational churches, and church members that are in good standing, 
but with those called Presbyterian, and also with those under the Saybrook platform 
regimen." 

" Voted, That in testimony of our respect to other churches, and freeness to com- 
mune with them; we are willing that our Rev. pastor should exchange labors with or- 
dained ministers in New Haven county, or invite any of them to preach with us, as 
opportunity presents." 

In 1746, Mr. Robbins was cited to appear before the consociation. 
With the citation, the articles of complaint were delivered. They are 
introduced here, to give some light on the nature of the religious con- 
troversies at that period. Those which respected his doctrine were — 

" 1. That he, the said Mr. Robbins, has in public taken it upon him to determine 
the state of infants, dying in infancy, declaring that they were as odious in the sight 
of God, as snakes and vipers were to us ; and left it wholly in the dark whether there 
were any saved or not. 



192 



BRANFORD 



" 2. That he had assumed to himself the prerogative of God, the righteous judge, in 
judging the condition of the dead, in a funeral sermon, saying that they were in hell, 
to the great grief of mourning friends and others. 

"3. That in his public preaching he had been guilty of speaking evil of dignities; 
declaring that the leaders or rulers of the people were opposers of the glorious work 
of God in the land; and comparing our civil authority to and with Darius, who cast 
Daniel in the lion's den. 

"4. In judging and declaring those persons carnal and unconverted, that did not 
approve of the late religious stir that has been made in the land; and in the improve- 
ment of his sermon dividing them, and calling one part, that is, the approvers, the 
children of God, and branding the other part with the name and character of opposers. 
"5. The said Mr. Robbins has also publicly and censoriously judged those that did 
not fall in with and impute the religious stir in the land (which he calls a glorious 
work of God) to be the work of God's spirit, declaring such were guilty of the unpar- 
donable sin. 

" 6. He has publicly asserted, and taught and laid down, that a man might be sin- 
cere in religion, and a strict observer of the sabbath, and yet be a hypocrite. 

" 7. Said Mr. Robbins has publicly reflected upon and reviled the standing ministers 
of this land, calling them Arminians, and comparing them with and to false prophets, 
pulling himself in the place of Micajah." 
With respect to his Antinomian doctrines, they complained, 

" 1. That he has publicly taught us, that there is no promise in all the bible that be- 
longs to sinners: thereby frustrating the covenant of God's free grace, and the conde- 
scension and compassion of God, and his Son, our Saviour, to poor, lost and perishing 
sinners. 

" 2. That there is no direction in all the bible how men should come to Christ, nor 
could he direct any persons how they should come to him: thereby rendering the study 
and search of the holy scriptures, at least an unsafe and insufficient way of finding 
Christ and the preaching thereof useless. 

" 3. He has publicly taught that it is as easy for persons to know when they are con- 
verted, as it is to know noonday light from midnight darkness; making the only sure 
evidence of conversion to consist in inward feeling, and a sense of their love to God. 
"4. He has declared in public, that believers never doubt of their interest in Christ, 
after conversion; and if they do, it is the sign of an hypocrite; rendering sanctifica- 
tion no evidence of conversion or justification, and that believers are never in the dark. 
"5. He has also taught that God could easier convert the seat a man sits on than 
convert a moral man; and that the most vicious or vile person stands as fair for con- 
viction and conversion as the strictest moral man : thereby making holiness and obe- 
dience to the moral law, no way necessary to be found in men for their salvation. 

"6. Mr. Robbins has taught that there are some sinners that Christ never died for, 
nor did he come to save them; thereby perverting the great doctrines of redemption 
in the gospel, and rendering all endeavors in men to obtain salvation, useless; Armi- 
nianism and blending the covenant of works and covenant of grace together." 

With relation to his enthusiasm, which they complained of as exceedingly grievous 
to them, these articles were charged against him : 

" That bitter and censorious spirit discovered by the said Mr. Robbins, against all, 
even civil magistrates, as well as ministers, who do not think the commotions in the 
land which bear the name of religion, a glorious work of God, and the effect of the 
agency of the Holy Spirit, declaring all such to be guilty of the unpardonable sin. 

"2. In that strange heat of spirit, under which the said Mr. Robbins has acted; dis- 
covered in a perpetual uneasiness, or craving to be preaching; going into those many 
unscriptural night meetings, and frequent public preaching under a religious pre- 
tence; consorting with and improving those to preach and carry on in public, as well 
as in those private meetings, that have been most forward and famous for their enthu- 
siasm in the present day. 

"3. In the spirit of pride and conceitedness, and expectation to be believed only 
upon positive and bold assertion, discovered by said Robbins; among other instances 
thereof, by publicly declaring, in a sermon, that the standing ministers in this land 
were Arminians, and calling them false prophets, while he put himself in the place of 
Micajah before Ahab, in 1 Kings, xxii. pronouncing these words upon it, That if the 
body of the people were in the way to eternal life, the Lord had not spoken by him. 

"4. Mr. Robbins has publicly taught, that unconverted persons have no right to 
praise God." 
With respect to his conduct, these articles were charged : 

"1. Mr. Robbins' earnestness in promoting and improving strolling or travelling 
preachers; and improving those that were most disorderly, to preach and exhort in 
the society; more especially at one such meeting carried on at his own house, by 
Messrs. Brainard and Buei; and another at the same place, carried on by Messrs. 



CHESHIRE. 



193 



Wheelock and Munson ; to the dishonor of religion, to the just offence of many of the 
church and people, and to the destruction of peace and gospel order, in church and 
society. 

" 2. His introducing Mr. Davenport to preach and exhort, and also his man to pray 
and sing, at the time when he went through the country, singing along the streets; at- 
tended with this aggravating circumstance, that it was on sacrament day; to the great 
confusion and disturbance of the church, and profaning of the sabbath in this society. 

"3. His preaching in Wallingford, in the meeting-house of the anabaptists there; 
and that contrary to the desire of a great number of the people at Wallingford, re- 
questing him that he would not, and to the advice of neighboring ministers to the con- 
trary."* 

These complaints were evidently got up in a spirit of exaggeration. 
" Mr. Robbins," says Dr. Trumbull, " was a most inoffensive gentle- 
man ; mild, peaceable and a peace maker: was uncommonly gifted in 
prayer : a sound and searching preacher, and greatly beloved by his 
people. He was popular in the neighboring towns and societies, and 
gradually grew in esteem among his brethren in the ministry. In the 
year 1755, about seven years after, he was invited to sit with the con- 
sociation, at the ordination of Mr. Street, at East Haven ; and no ob- 
jections were made on account of any thing which had passed in the 
times of his trouble. 



The following is copied from an inscription on one of the monuments 
in the burying ground. 

The Revd. Mr. Samll. Russel, Deed, ye 25th day of June, 1731, in ye 71st year of his 
age, and 44th of his Ministry. Mrs. Abagail Russel, his virtuous consort, Deed, ye 
7th day of May, 1733, in ye 67 year of her age. 



From vulgar dust distinguish'!] lies 
The active Heralds of the skies, 
Whose voice Salvation did attend, 
Could comfort to the meeker send, 
And make the stubborn hearted bend ; 
With Honor watch his urn around, 
And ne'er forget the silver sound, 
Till Trumpets bid the Final day, 
And laboring Angels rouse his clay, 



By Heaven dismiss'd you'll shine his crown, 
And bow his head with glory down. 

In slumber bound fast by his side, 
The tender part, his pious bride, 

Reclines her head. 
So round the oak the ivy twines, 
With faithful bands in spiral lines. 

Though both are dead. 



CHESHIRE 



Cheshire was originally a parish in the town of Wallingford, by the 
name of New Cheshire. It was made a society in 1723 ; it consisted 
then of about thirty five families. The Rev. Samuel Hall was their 
first minister; he was ordained their pastor in December, 1724. A 
church was formed, and the first meeting house erected the same year. 
The number of male members in the church at its formation was eleven. 
In the year 1770, the number of members was about 400. The Rev. 
Mr. Foot was ordained colleague pastor with Mr. Hall in March, 1767. 

In the center of the town there is a pleasant village of 40 or 50 
dwelling houses, three churches, and an Academy. The engraving on 
the succeeding page shows the central part of the village ; the Congre- 
gational church is seen on the left ; the spire of the Episcopal church is 
seen on the right ; the next building seen westward of this is the Meth- 



* Trumbull's Hist. Conn. Vol. 2. 
25 



194 



C It E S 11 I R E 



dist church, a plain brick edifice without a spire ; the Academy stands 
eastward of these buildings, on the opposite side of the street. This 
place is 13J miles from New Haven, 25 from Hartford, 9£ southeast 
from Waterbury, and one mile from Beach port, a small cluster of build- 
ings on the New Haven and Northampton canal. 




South view of Cheshire, (central part.) 

Cheshire was incorporated as a town in 1780. It is bounded n. by 
Southington, w. by Waterbury and Prospect, e. by Meriden and Wal- 
lingford, and s. by Hamden. It is about 7 miles in length from north 
to south, and 4 miles in breadth. The northeast section of the town 
is watered by the Quinnipiac. The New Haven and Northampton 
canal passes through the whole length of the town. The township is 
pleasantly diversified by hills and valleys, and the prevailing soil is a 
gravelly loam, generally rich and fertile. Agriculture is the principal 
business of the inhabitants. 

In March, 1732, (a little more than eight years after the society of 
New Cheshire was formed,) the Small Pox "broke out in the center 
of the society." How it came there is to this day a secret. Being an 
unusual disease, and many opinions about it, people went upon the Sab- 
bath and other public days, to see the sick. After some time, when it 
began to spread, some were afraid it was the small pox, and sent for 
those who had had " the distemper, to know whether it was the small 
pox," who "all agreed it was not; which made people careless, till Dr. 
Harpin came and told 'em it was. Thus the infection was spread in 
many families, and they were brought into the greatest distress, for 
want of experienced nurses — yea, had scarcely help to bury the dead." 
It appears from the Rev. Mr. Hall's discourse on the occasion, that 
124 persons, probably about one third of the whole population in the 
society, had the disorder, and it is somewhat remarkable, considering 
the circumstances, that but seventeen persons died. 



CHESHIRE 



195 




Episcopal Academy at Cheshire. 

The above is a western view of the Episcopal Academy. It is a 
substantial brick edifice, 54 feet by 34, and was erected by the town in 
1796 ; it is surrounded by a spacious court yard, and stands a little back 
from the main street.* This institution was incorporated in 1S01, and 
was called the Episcopal Academy of Connecticut. 



Cheshire, April 20, 1796. 
Yesterday was laid the first stone of the Episcopal Academy, (now building in this 
town,) by the master of Temple Lodge, assisted by the Brethren — under the stone was 
laid a slate, with the following inscription : 

April 28, 1796. 

The Corner Stone 

of the Episcopal Academy, 

erected by proprietors, 
was laid by the Fraternity 
of free and accepted Masons. 
The day being fine, a procession was foi me I from the lodge room to the Episcopal 
church, where a well adapted discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Ives — from 
thence to the ground, and after laying the stone, the Rev. Mr. Brunson addressed the 
brethren and crowd of spectators assembled on the occasion, with a il'\v pertinent ob- 
servations. The procession then returned, and together with the proprietors of the 
building partook of a festive entertainment. The whole was conducted with order 



Extract from Cheshire Toivn Records. 

June 26th, 1780. — At a special town meeting held at Cheshire, major Reuben At- 
water was chosen moderator. Voted, that the selectmen shall see that the soldiers 
which are drafted and to march to-morrow morning, be provided each man with a 
horse. Voted, that Miles Hull, Nathaniel Bunnell, Hubert Martin and David Hitch- 
cock, be a committee for hiring the soldiers to lill up the continental army for theterm 
of three years, or dining the present war. 

Voted, that the town would give to each soldier which shall enlist into the conti- 
nental army for three years, or din ing the present war, to be paid equivalent to silver 
at 6.s. 8d. per ounce, the sum of twenty shillings per month, during the time of their 
continuance in the service, to be paid annually. 



* Since the above drawing- was taken, the poplars seen standing around the Acad- 
emy have been cut off, and the building has been somewhat improved in its general 
appearance. 



196 



DERBY. 



Voted, that any that enlist as before mentioned, and in want of bounty money, the 
selectmen shall hire money for that purpose. 

June 27, 1781. — Voted, to lay a tax of two pence on the list of 1780, to be paid in sil- 
ver or grain, at market price, for the purpose of raising men into the army. 

1781, Dec. 11th. — Voted, that Asa Brunson, Munson Merriam and John Bryan, be 
a committee to supply the soldiers' families the year ensuing. 

1784, March 30. — Voted, in said meeting, that they would prefer a memorial to the 
General Assembly of this State for the purpose of making the town of Cheshire a half 
shire county town. 

The following are copied from monuments in the old burying ground, 
eastward from the Congregational church. 

In memory of ye Rev. Samuel Hall, Pastor of ye ch'h in Cheshire, died Feb. 26th, 
A. D. 1776, M. 81, and ye 42d year of his ministry. Also of Mrs. Ann Hall, died 
1775, aged 74. 

A friend to God, a guide in Christ, 

Do here repose their peaceful dust, 
To rest in darkness in the tomb, 

Till Gabriel's trumpet wake the just. 

Here lies the body of Capt. Elnathan Beach, a gentleman who from a small fortune, 
by an honest industry and diligent application to business, raised a very considerable 
estate. His liberal benefactions to the Parish of Cheshire will perpetuate his name: 
And as he was perhaps the first in Connecticut, who began a fund for the relief of the 
poor, so he deserves a particular place in the memory of all who wish well to mankind. 
He departed this life, Aug. 16th, 1742, in ye 45th year of his age. 

Here lies the body of Capt. Samuel Cooke, who died Nov. 7th, 1745, in his 51st 
year. His indefatigable industry and success in business were equally admirable : 
his views of trade were large, and as his estate was sufficient for the purpose, so he 
generously designed to deliver his country from the slavery it had been so long in to 
the neighboring colonies, by opening a new scene of commerce with Europe. His de- 
sign herein, as also his benefactions to the church, and poor of the parish of Cheshire, 
are worthy the imitation of all whom Providence has so remarkably blessed. 



DERBY 



The original name'of this town was Paugasset. It appears, that about 
the year 1653, Gov. Goodyear, and others in New Haven, made a pur- 
chase of a considerable tract at this place. In 1654, it seems some few 
settlements were made. The next year the planters presented a peti- 
tion to the General Court of New Haven, to be made into a distinct 
town. The Court granted their petition, and gave them liberty to pur- 
chase lands sufficient for a township. The Milford people, however, 
at the next Court made such strong remonstrances against the act, that 
the Court determined that the people at Paugasset should continue as 
they had been, under the town of Milford, unless the parties should 
come to an agreement, respecting the incorporation of the inhabitants 
there into a distinct township. In 1657 and 1659, a purchase was 
made of the lands, of the chief sagamores, Wetanamow and Raskenute. 
This purchase appears to have been confirmed afterwards by Okenuck, 
the chief sachem. Some of the first planters were Ed. Wooster, Ed. 
Riggs, Richard Baldwin, Samuel Hopkins, Thomas Langdon, and 
Francis French. In October, 1675, the planters renewed their appli- 
cation for town privileges. They represented that they then consisted 



DERBY 



197 



of twelve families, and that eleven more were about moving into the 
plantation ; they had procured a minister, built him a house, and made 
provision for the support of the ministry. Upon these representations, 
the Assembly made them into a town, by the name of Derby. 

Derby is bounded north by Oxford, southwest by the Housatonic, 
separating it from Huntington, on the east by Woodbridge, and south 
by Orange. Its mean length is about 5£ miles, and its mean breadth 
4i miles. The face of the town is diversified with hills and valleys, 
and with some fine tracts of alluvial upon the borders of the Housatonic 
and Naugatuc. There are two societies or parishes, Derby proper, and 
the parish of Great Hill, in the northern section of the town. There are 
six houses of worship in the town, 3 Congregational, 2 Episcopal, and 2 
for Methodists. 




Soulhcust view of Derby Landing. 



The above engraving shows the appearance of the village at Derby 
Landing, or Narrows, (as it is sometimes called,) as you enter it on the 
New Haven road, descending the hill, looking towards the northwest. 
The village is on the east side of the Housatonic, immediately below its 
junction with the Naugatuc or Waterbury river. It consists of about 50 
dwelling houses, 4 or 5 mercantile stores, and a number of mechanics' 
shops. These buildings are mostly built on three short streets running 
parallel with the river, and on the side of a high hill, which from its 
summit descends with considerable abruptness to the water, and of 
course the easternmost street is considerably elevated above the others. 
There are two churches in Derby proper ; 1 for Congregationalists and 
one for Episcopalians ; both situated about a mile north of the Landing. 
On the left of the engraving, in the distance, is seen the Leavenworth 
bridge, leading to Huntington, crossing the Housatonic river. The 
present bridge was erected in 1831, at an expense of about 12 or 
14,000 dollars. Part of Birmingham is seen in the distance, situated on 



198 



DERBY, 



the elevated point of land between the Naugatuc and Housatonic rivers. 
There are two packets which ply weekly between this place and New 
York. Considerable quantities of wood and ship timber are exported, 
and ship building, to some extent, is carried on at the Landing. Derby 
Landing is about 14 or 15 miles from the mouth of the river, where it 
empties into Long Island sound, and 8i miles northwest from New 
Haven. The river is navigable to the Landing, for vessels of about 80 
tons, there being about 10 feet of water. 




Soxithcastem view of Birmingham, Derby, (1S36.) 



The first settlers at the Landing were Thomas Parsons, Samuel 
Plumb, Joseph Hull, Ebenezer Chatfield, Ebenezer Johnson, and two 
families of Weeds. Thomas Parsons' house stood on the ground where 
the Episcopal church now stands; Plumb located himself about half a 
mile north ; Joseph Hull, the great grandfather of Commodore Hull, had 
his house about half a mile north of Plumb; Chatfield settled a little 
north of Hull ; Johnson built his house about a mile s. e. of the Landing ; 
he was a captain, afterwards a colonel. The Weeds located themselves 
about a mile n. e. of the Landing, at a place since called Squabble 
hole. This place is said to have derived its name from the circum- 
stance of the two first families who lived here having much contention 
with each other. Capt. Ethel Keeney, now living, was the first white 
child born at the Landing. He was born March 17th, 1755. 

The engraving above shows the appearance of Birmingham, from 
the shore at Derby Landing. This village was commenced in 1834. 
There are at present, (July 1st, 1836,) about 20 dwelling houses, and 3 
mercantile stores: there is in, and about to be put in operation, 1 factory 
for making sheet copper and copper wire ; 1 for making augers ; 1 
for making carriage springs and axles ; 1 for making nails or tacks ; 1 
for flannels and satinets, with some other minor manufacturing es- 
tablishments. The water by which the mills and factories are put in 
operation is taken from the Naugatuc, by a canal which extends upwards 



DERBY. 199 

of a mile and a half northward of the village. A steamboat is about 
to commence running between this place and New York. Part of the 
Leavenworth bridge, over the Housatonic, is seen on the extreme left. 
The house of Sheldon Smith, Esq. is seen a little eastward of this, on 
the elevated ground above the copper factory. This edifice is elegantly 
situated, and commands a most beautiful and interesting prospect to 
the southward, particularly of the village at the Landing, and the pas- 
sage of the Housatonic through what is called the Narrows. A small 
round structure is seen on the right : this is the Reservoir, from which 
water is supplied to the inhabitants of the village. It is raised fifty feet, 
from a well under the grist mill, on the canal below. 

The village of Humphreysville, about four and a half miles north of 
Derby Landing, owes its rise and name to the Hon. David Humphreys. 
The original name of this place was Nau-ko-tunk, which signifies in the 
Indian language one large tree, so named from a large tree which for- 
merly stood near Rock Rimmon, about three fourths of a mile north of 
the falls. Naugatuc, the English pronunciation of the above word, was 
the name given to the stream passing through the village. For a long 
period after the settlement of this place, it was called Chuse-toum, so 
named from Chuse, the last sachem of the Derby Indians, who is said 
to have derived this name from his manner of pronouncing the word 
" choose." His proper name was Joe Mau-ive-hu : he was the son of 
Gideon Mauwehu, a Pequot Indian, who was the king or sachem of the 
Scatacook tribe of Indians in Kent. It appears that Gideon, previous 
to his collecting the Indians at Kent, lived in the vicinity of Derby, 
and wishing to have his son brought up among the white people, sent 
Joe to Mr. Agar Tomlinson of Derby, with whom he lived during his 
minority. Chuse preferring to live at Derby, his father gave him a 
tract of land at the falls, called the Indian field. Here he erected his 
wigwam, about six or eight rods north of where the cotton factory now 
stands, on the south border of the fiat. It was beautifully situated, 
among the white oak trees, and faced the south. He married an Indian 
woman of the East Haven tribe. At the time Chuse removed here, 
there were but one or two white families in the place, who had settled 
on Indian hill, the height of land east of the river, and southeast of 
the cotton factory, in the vicinity of the Methodist and Congregational 
churches. These settlers wishing Chuse for a neighbor, persuaded him 
to remove to the place where the house of the late Mrs. Phebe Stiles 
now stands, a few rods north of the Congregational church. When Mr. 
Whitimore built on the spot, Chuse removed back again to the falls, 
where a considerable number of the Indians collected, and built their 
wigwams in a row, a few rods east of the factory, on the top of the 
bank, extending to Indian hill. Near the river, in the Indian field, was 
a large Indian burying ground ; each grave was covered with a small 
heap of stones. Mr. Stiles, of this place, purchased this field about 
forty six years since, of the Indian proprietors, and in plowing it over, 
destroyed these relics of antiquity. The land on the west side of the 
river from this place, where the Episcopal church stands, was formerly 
called Shrub oak. Both the Indians and the whites went to meeting 



200 DERBY. 

on foot at Derby. Those of the whites who died here, were conveyed 
on horse litters to be buried at Derby ; these litters were made by hav- 
ing two long poles attached to two horses, one of which was placed 
before the other ; the ends of the poles were fastened, one on each 
side of the forward horse, and the other ends were fastened to the horse 
behind. A space was left between the horses, and the poles at this 
place were fastened together by cross pieces, and on these was placed 
whatever was to be carried. 

Chuse lived at this place forty eight years, and then removed with 
most of the Derby Indians to Scatacook, in Kent, where he died, at 
the age of about eighty years. He was a large, athletic man, and a very 
spry and active hunter. He had ten children.* Chuse and his family 
were in the habit of going down once in a year to Milford " to salt," as 
it was termed. They usually went down in a boat from Derby Nar- 
rows ; when they arrived at Milford beach, they set up a tent made of 
the sail of their boat, and stayed about a fortnight, living upon oysters 
and clams. They also collected a considerable quantity of clams, which 
they boiled, dried them in the sun, and strung them in the same manner 
as we do apples which are to be dried. Clams cured by this method 
were formerly quite an article of traffic. 

The Indians in the interior used to bring down dried venison, which 
they exchanged with the Indians who lived on the sea coast for their dried 
clams. Chuse used to kill many deer while watching the wheat fields; 
also great numbers of wild turkies, and occasionally a bear. Some of 
the whites also were great hunters ; the most famous were Gideon Wash- 
burn and Alexander Johnson. Rattlesnakes were formerly very nu- 
merous about Niumph, near Rock Rimmon, and occasionally have been 
known to crawl into the houses in the vicinity. 

About the time of the first settlement at Humphreysville, a white 
man by the name of Noah Durand, killed an Indian named John Sunk, 
by mistake. They were hunting deer on opposite sides of the river — 
Durand on the west side, and the Indian on the east; it was in the dusk 
of the evening, in the warm season, at the time the deer went into the 
river to cool themselves. Durand perceived something moving among 
the bushes on the cast side, and supposing it to be a deer, aimed his 
gun at the place and fired. Sunk, mortally wounded, immediately cried 
out, " you have killed me." Durand sprang through the river to the 
assistance of the dying Indian, who begged for water; Durand took off 
his shoe, filled it from the river, and gave it to Sunk, who after drinking, 
died immediately. This took place perhaps twenty or thirty rods be- 
low the bridge at Humphreysville, just below where Henry Wooster 
lived. A kind of arbitration was afterwards held upon this case by the 
white people and the Indians. One of the Indian witnesses remarked, 
that he never knew of deer wearing red stockings before, alluding to the 
common Indian dress. The Indians, however, appeared satisfied that 
their countryman was killed by mistake, and ever afterwards made Mr. 
Durand's house their stopping place. 



* Eunice Mauwehn, aged 72 years, the youngest daughter of Chuse, is still living 
(1836) at Scatacook, in Kent, and it is from her that most of the particulars respect- 
ing Chuse and the Indians are derived. 



D E KB Y. 



201 




S. E. view of Humphreysville, in Derby. 

The above cut shows the appearance of Humphreysville, as it is en- 
tered upon the New Haven road. The Humphreysville Manufacturing 
Company was incorporated in 1810. The village is situated in a small 
valley on the Naugatuc, four and a half miles from its junction with the 
Housatonic river at Derhy Landing. It is surrounded with lofty hills, 
excepting the narrow valley through which the Naugatuc passes. The 
heights south of the village, on the western side of the river, are lofty, 
rocky and precipitous. The building seen in the central part of the 
engraving is the Humphreysville Cotton Manufactory ; it is four stories 
in height, and about 100 feet long. On the left of the print, on eleva- 
ted ground, is seen the Episcopal church : there are two other houses 
of worship in this place, one for Congregationalists, and one for Meth- 
odists ; the last two are situated on the heights a few rods s. E. from 
the central part of the village. Directly underneath the Episcopal 
church is seen, in the engraving, a part of Naugatuc river, with the 
falls. At this place a ledge of rocks, about twenty feet in height, 
crosses the river, and forms a perfect dam about two thirds the distance : 
the remaining third is closed by an artificial dam. This place was for- 
merly known by the name of Rimmon Falls. There are about 50 or 
60 dwelling houses in the vicinity of the factories, 3 or 4 mercantile 
stores, &c. Most of the dwelling houses are south of the cotton fac- 
tory ; only a few of them appear in the engraving. A small but beau- 
tiful grove of pines is situated at the southern extremity of the village, 
through which the buildings, which are mostly painted white, appear 
uncommonly beautiful, as the village is approached from the south upon 
the river roads. 

" Gen. David Humphreys was a native of this town. He was a 
son of the Rev. Daniel Humphreys, and was born in July, 1752. In 
1767 he entered Yale College, and received his first degree in 1771. 

26 



202 



DERBY. 



Whilst in college, he cultivated an attachment to the muses, and dis- 
closed early evidences of poetical talent. During the Revolutionary 
war, he entered the army as a captain ; but at what time we are not 
informed. 

"In 1778, however, he was aid to Gen. Putnam, with the rank of major. Two years 
after this', he was appointed aid to the commander in chief; having been the success- 
ful candidate of four who solicited the office. His competitors were Col. Tallmadge, 
Gen. William Hull, and Roger Alden. He continued in this situation during the war, 
having the rank of colonel, and was particularly distinguished at the memorable 
siege of York; and Congress as a respectable testimony of their high estimation of 
his valor, fidelity, and signal services on this occasion, voted him an elegant sword. 
At the close of the war, he accompanied Gen. Washington to Virginia. In 1784, he 
embarked for France, in company with the brave, but unfortunate Kosciusko; hav- 
ing, on the appointment of Mr. Jefferson as ambassador to France, been nominated 
as his secretary. In 1786, he returned to America and revisited the scenes of his 
youth in his native town. Soon after his return, he was elected by his fellow citizens 
to be their representative in the legislature of the State, and continued to be elected 
for two years, when he >vas appointed to the command of a regiment raised for the 
western service. During the period that he held his office, he remained most of the 
time in Hartford; and, with Hopkins, Barlow and Trumbull, assisted in the publica- 
tion of the Anarchiad. On the reduction of his regiment, he repaired to Mount Ver- 
non, and continued with Gen. Washington until 17!)0, when he received an appoint- 
ment to the court of Portugal. In 1794, he visited America, but soon returned to Lis- 
bon. Soon after this, he received an appointment to the court of Spain, where lie 
continued until 1802, when he again returned to his native country. This was the 
end of his public life. After his return to America, he was, until his death, exten- 
sively engaged in various objects of public utility, particularly manufactures and agri- 
culture. He is well known to have been one of the first who introduced merino sheep 
into this country, which has greatly improved the quality of wool, and given a strong 
impetus to domestic manufactures. The extensive woolen and cotton factory, which 
he established in this town has already been noticed. He also did much for the pro- 
motion of agriculture; and just previous to his death was making exertions to form a 
society for the purpose of procuring a farm for agricultural experiments. 

"Gen. Humphreys possessed considerable literary acquirements, although he pub- 
lished no work of magnitude; his writings consist principally of various poetical pro- 
puctions. Of these, the most important are an address to the armies of the United 
States; a poem on the happiness of America; a poem on the future glory of the Uni- 
ted States; a poem on the industry of the United States; a poem on the love of coun- 
try; and a poem on the death of General Washington. He wrote also a memoir of 
Gen. Putnam, various political tracts, &c. He died in New Haven, 21st Feb. 1818, 
aged 66 years."* 

Isaac Hull is a native of this town, and was born near Derby land- 
ing. It was to this officer that the first British flag was struck on the 
ocean, during the last war with Great Britain. Commodore Hull, in 
early life, adopted the profession of a seaman, and soon became master 
of a vessel. He was in this situation at the first establishment of the 
navy, and at that time received the appointment of a lieutenant. The 
first exploit which brought him into notice, was the admirable seaman- 
ship displayed in his escape in July, 1812, when in command of the 
Constitution of 44 guns, from a British squadron, consisting of one ship 
of the line, four frigates, a brig and a schooner. The chase continued 
for sixty hours. On the 19th of August, 1812, Capt. Hull, with the 
same vessel and crew, fell in with a large frigate, which struck to him 
after a close action of thirty minutes. She proved to be his majesty's 
ship the Gurriere, rated at thirty eight guns, and carrying fifty ; com- 
manded by Capt. J. R. Dacres. At the time the Gurriere surrendered 
she had not a spar standing, and her hull below and above water was 

* Pease and Niles's Gazetteer. 



DERBY. 203 

so shattered, that a few more broadsides must have carried her down. 
The Constitution had six killed and seven wounded. The loss of the 
Gurriere was 15 killed, 62 wounded, and twenty-four missing. 



[From the Connecticut Gazette.} Derby, Feb. 18/A, 1764. 

On the evening of the seventh of this instant. Feb. 1764, there was a violent storm 
of hail and rain ; the next morning alter was observed a large breach in a hill on the 
west side of the old river,* supposed to lie occasioned by some subterraneous wind or 
fire ; the breach is about twenty feet deep, though much caved in, in length one hun- 
dred and thirteen feet ; about sixty rods of land was covered with the gravel and sand 
cast out of the cavity, some of which was carried two hundred and fifty nine feet to 
the brink of the river; four trees of about a foot diameter were carried one hundred 
and seventy three feet distance, and lis supposed by their situation that they must 
have been forced up forty feet high; some small stones about the bigness of walnuts, 
were carried with such velocity that they stuck fast in a green tree that stood near the 
cavity ; a large dry log better than two feet diameter was carried up so far in the air, 
that by the force of the fall one end of it stuck so fast in the ground that it kept the 
other end up. The narrowest part of the breach is about thirty feet at the surface of 
the ground, and the bottom of the breach is crooking, winding much like the streaks 
of lightning.t 

The above account was taken by exact rule by us. Silas Baldwin', 

Nehemiah Fisher, 
David Wooster. 

The ancient burying ground in Derby is upon a small and beautiful 

knoll, which rises a few rods north of the Episcopal church in Derby 

proper. The following inscription is on the monument of one of the 

ancient ministers of the place. 

Here lyes ir.terr'd ye body of ye Rev. Mr. Joseph Moss, ye faithful and affectionate 
Pastor of ye flock in this town, 25 years; a learned man, a good Christian, who de- 
parted this Life Jany. 23d, Anno Dora. 1731, jEtatis Suae 53. 
With holy ardor of Seraphic Love 
He dropt his clay and soared to Christ above. 

The Rev. John Bowers appears to have been the first minister in 
this town. He removed from Derby and settled at Rye, about the year 
16S8. Mr. Webb then preached at Derby about twelve years, but was 
not ordained. The Rev. Daniel Humphreys, the father of Gen. Hum- 
phreys, was ordained in this place about the year 1733. The follow- 
ing is the inscription on his monument in the old burying ground. 

The Revf Daniel Humphreys died Sept. 2d, 1787, in the 81st year his age. For 
more than half a century he was the established minister of the first Society in this 
town. Mrs. Sarah Humphreys, the affectionate wife of his youth, and the tender 
companion of his advanced age, died July 29th, 1787, just five weeks before him. 
The seasons thus 

As ceaseless round a jarring world they roll, 

Still find them happy; and consenting. spring 

Sheds her own rosy garlands on their heads: 

Till evening comes at last serene and mild, 

When after the long vernal day of Life 

Enamour'd more as more remembrance swells 

With many a proof of recollected love, 

Together down they sink in social sleep, 

Together freed their gentle spirits fly, 

To scenes where love and bliss immortal reign. 

* This was a little north of Birmingham, perhaps 80 or 100 rods. 

t "A light was seen on the spot in the evening before the explosion. It was ac- 
companied by a loud report, and some fossil substances were ejected, which were 
analyzed by Dr. Munson, of New Haven, and found to contain arsenic and sul- 
phur." — Webster on Pestilence, Vol. 1, p. 262. 



204 EAST HA V F. N 



EAST HAVEN. 

East Haven was originally a part of New Haven. In June, 1639, 
the free planters of Quinnipiac convened in Mr. Newman's barn, and 
formed their constitution of government. Among the subscribers to 
that instrument who settled in East Haven, or were concerned in that 
settlement, were William Edwards, Jasper Crayne, Thomas Gregson, 
Wm. Tuttle, Garvis Boykim, John Potter, Matthew Moulthrop, Mat- 
thias Hitchcock and Edward Patterson. To these were added Thomas 
Morris and John Thompson. After the first division of lands had been 
made at New Haven, several enterprising farmers began to settle on the 
eastern side of the Quinnipiac, when a second division was made. In 
1639, Thomas Gregson petitioned for his second division at Solitary 
(now Morris') Cove, and on the 5th of August, 1644, 133 acres were 
allotted to him at that place. There he placed his family, the first in 
East Haven. In 1647, Mr. Gregson and a number of the principal 
planters of New Haven were lost at sea on a voyage to England. 

The first iron works in Connecticut were established in this town and 
continued about twenty five years. This business was introduced in 
the following manner. 

" General Court, N. H. 12/A Nov. 1655. 

" The Towne was acquainted that there is a puipose, that an Iron Worke shall be 
set up beyond the farmes at Sioney River, which is considered will be for the publique 
good ; and Mr. Goodyear declared that Mr. Winstone and himself did intend to carry 
it on ; only he desired now to know what the Town desired in it ; much debate was 
about it; but no man engaged in it at present; but divers spoke that they would give 
some worke towards making the Damm, whose names and number of days worke 
were taken, which amounted to about 140 days : so it issued for that time.'' 

" 29th Nov. 1655. — The Governor informed the Towne that this meeting was called 
to consider something further about the Iron Worke, sundry who engaged to worke 
last Court, have not yet performed, iho' all others have : and it was now concluded 
that those who are now behinde, should be called upon to perform what they promised, 
It was also now desired that men would declare, who will engage in the worke, and 
what estate they will put in. But few speaking to it, it was desired that those who 
are willing would meet at the Governor's this afternoon at 2 o'clock, lo declare them- 
selves therein, and it was now propounded whether the Towne will give up their 
right in the place, and what accommodation is necessary for the best conveniency of 
the said Iron Worke ; in this case all the Towne voted to give a full libertie for the 
Iron Worke to go on, and also for wood, water, ironplace, oares, shells for lime, or 
what else is necessary for that worke, upon the Towne lands upon the side of the 
great river, called the East River; provided that no man's propertie, laid out, or to 
be laid out, be entered upon, nor no planter prohibited, from cutting wood, or other 
conveniency upon the said common, in an orderly way; and that Branford doe make 
the like grant, according to their proportion the}' have in the worke, that future ques- 
tions about this thing may be prevented. 

" I'Jtk Mny, 1656. — Upon motion of Mr. Goodyear and John Cooper in behalf of 
the Collier that comes to burn coal for the Iron workes ; he had 12 acres of land 
granted him as his own, if the Iron Workes goon, and he stay three years in the 
worke. Provided that all minerals there be reserved, and that he attend all orders 
of the Towne for the present, and in disposing of said lands hereafter, if it shall so 
fall out, to have it. The place propounded lor is a piece of land lying betwixt the 
Great Pond, and the Beaver Meadows, a 100 or 2 acres, about two miles from the Iron 
worke. Against which grant or place none objected, so as to hinder the same." 

Business was carried on here both from New Haven and Branford. 
It continued until about 1680. Why the business was relinquished 
cannot be now satisfactorily ascertained. The tradition is, that it was 



EAST HAVEN 



205 



occasioned by the death of the principal workmen, during a season of 
great mortality in 1679. The furnace was supplied with bog ore from 
North Haven. It was chiefly carted, but sometimes brought from Bog 
mine wharf by water, round to the point below the furnace ; and from 
that circumstance the point to this day is called Bog mine. 

East Haven was incorporated as a distinct town in 1785. It is 
bounded n. by North Haven, e. by Branford, s. by Long Island sound, 
and w. by the harbor and Quinnipiac river, dividing it from New Haven. 
It is about 6 miles long and 3 wide. Central part, 3£ miles from New 
Haven. Agriculture and fishing constitute the principal business of the 
inhabitants. Considerable mercantile business is done in Fair Haven. 




Congregational and Ejriscopal Churches, East Haven. 

The above is a western view of the Congregational and Episcopal 
churches. The Congregational church is seen on the left, the Episco- 
pal is on the right, a small building with three windows on the west 
side. The Congregational church is constructed of stone, and is 70 
feet by 50. The walls were raised and covered in 1773-4; the 
finishing of the house was suspended for several years. Public worship 
commenced in it in September, 1774. Considering the time this edifice 
was built, it is a " great and honorable work, and stands as a lasting 
monument of the enterprise, public spirit, wisdom and perseverance of 
the inhabitants." The Episcopal church was erected in 1789. 

" The village bore their proportion of town and colony charges, and 
endured great hardships and dangers, in attending public worship at 
New Haven. After the termination of King Philip's war, the power- 
ful tribes that were under the influence of the French in Canada, fre- 
quently assumed a hostile attitude. In 1689, the town prepared a 
flying army, which stood ready to march at a moment's warning. A 
patrol of four horsemen was continually scouring the woods. And all 
the militia were obliged to carry their arms with them to public worship, 



206 



EAST HAVEN. 



prepared for battle. The Indians near the village were sometimes em- 
ployed as scouting parties, and in other respects as useful auxiliaries. 
The following anecdote received from the oldest man now living in the 
town, and received by him from his father, may be worth preserving : 

" A friendly Indian warrior was requested to act as sentinel in the Gap, 
north of Mullen hill. He consented, and for this purpose borrowed 
Mr. Heminway's gun, and was assured it was well loaded. Without 
examination, he took the gun and repaired to his post. He soon per- 
ceived two enemy Indians descending into the valley from the Pond 
Rock, and advancing towards the Gap. They passed him, and when 
he had them in range, intending to kill both at one shot, he attempted 
to fire, but his gun only flashed, for it was not charged. The spies, 
without observing it, passed on across the fresh meadows, and mingled 
with the friendly Indians about Grave Hill. The disappointed warrior 
was enraged, and threatened to kill Mr. H. for deceiving him in order 
that he might be killed. Mr^H. was innocent of the charge; for he 
had charged the gun himself, but some other person had discharged it 
without his knowledge, and priming, left it in the usual place in that 
condition. With the discovery of this fact, the warrior was finally paci- 
fied. But in a day or two, one of these spies was found dead on the 
Indian land, — and supposed to have been killed by the enraged warrior." 

The following account of the first settlement of Mr. Heminway, their 
first minister, is from the Rev. Mr. Dodd's History of East Haven. 

Jacob, the youngest son of Samuel Heminway, and born in the village, graduated 
at the college at Saybrook, under the Presidency of the Rev. Abraham Pierson, 1703, 
and was then about 20 years of age. — To him the people turned their attention. 

" At a meeting of the village, 20th Nov. 1740, Voted to look out for a minister to 
carry on the public worship of God amongst us; it was voted — 1. To seek to Sir 
Heminway that he would give them a taste of his gifts in order to settlement in the 
worke of the ministry. And — 2. Voted to desire John Potter, Sen. Caleb Chedsey, 
and Ebenezer Chedsey, to treat with Sir Heminway, to get him, if they could, to give 
them a taste of his gifts in preaching the Word." 

At another meeting of the Village, 19th Dec. following — " They having had some 
taste of Sir Heminway in preaching the Word, did declare their desire to have him 
go on in the worke of the Ministry amongst us, in order to settlement; and towards 
his encouragement they engage to allow him after the rate of £40 by the year in pay. 
And, Voted that George Pardee and Caleb Chedsey signify our desires and proposi- 
tions to Sir Heminway, and take his answer and make returne." 

The Committee immediately consulted Mr. Heminway, and reported at the same 
meeting, " That Sir Heminway does comply with their motion, God's grace assisting, 
and does accept the proposition, and desire some consideration with respect to wood." 

The next month they voted to give him £50 a year. They continued in this state 
until the elose of the year 1706*, when, at a meeting, the village appointed " William 
Ludington and John Potter to treat with Sir Jacob Heminway, to see whether he will 
goe on in the work of the Ministry amongst us." And the same day reported Mr. 
Heminway's answer in writing. 

" Gentlemen, Whereas you have given me notice by two men, that y r ou desire me 
to carry on the work of the Ministry in order to settlement among you. I do, there- 
fore, hereby give you notice that so far as God shall enable me thereunto, lam heartily 
ready and willing to gratify these your desires upon these conditions — 1. That you 
give me £50 yearly, and my wood. 2. That you build me a good convenient dwelling 
house, within 2 years time, or give me money sufficient to do the same, one half this 
year ensuing, and one hall the next. 3 That when it is in your power, you give me 
a good and sufficient portion of laud. Yours to serve, 

From my study, 2d Deer. 1706. JACOB HEMINWAY." 

On the 26th of the same month, the village met and voted, " We do promise Mr. 
Heminway, if he will carry on the worke of the ministry in said village, to build him 
a house, if we can, in two years after this date, and give hiin £50 pay, and his wood. 



EAST HAVEN. 207 

And in the mean time, if he wants a house to hire him one." To accomplish these 
objects thev laid a tax of four-pence farthing. 

In the year 1707, the village built a house for Mr. Heminway, 40 feet long and 20 
feet wide, on a live acre lot, on the southeast corner of the Green. One half acre 
was allowed to set the house upon, adjoining to Mr. Heminway's home lot. The 
wages in working at the house were three shillings a day for a man, and six for a 
team. 

The terms proposed were adjusted and ratified in 1709. They gave to him the house 
and lot it stood on— also twelve acres on the cove road, twelve acres in the bridge 
swamp, 30 acres in the half mile, £50 per annum, and sufficient wood, " if he performs 
the work of the Ministry so long as he is able ; or if it be our fault that he is forced 
to leave us, it shall be his. But if it be his fault, or he leaves the place, or is hindered 
in the worke, then the property is to return to the tillage. And he is to have the use 
of the Parsonage land." The same year, " 3d May, 1709, voted to petition the Gene- 
ral Assembly thai we may embody into a Church state." 

" The great burying place of the Indian tribes in this town and vici- 
nity, is on the north end of the hill on which the Fort stands, which, 
anciently, in allusion to this place, was called Grave Hill. Some of 
the graves have been leveled by the plow, but many of them are yet 
visible. In the year 1822, I examined three of these graves. At the 
depth of about three feet and a half the sandstone appears, on which 
the bodies were laid, without any appearance of a wrapper or enclosure. 
They all lay in the direction of southwest and northeast — the head 
towards the west. Of two of them, the arms lay by the side ; the 
other had the arms across the body, after the manner of the white peo- 
ple. The large bones and teeth were in a sound state. The thigh 
bones of one measured 19 inches in length, the leg bone 18, and the 
arm from the elbow to the shoulder 13. By measuring the skeleton as 
it lay, it was concluded to be that of a man six and a half feet high. 
No article of any description appeared with the bones. It is said, that 
about fifty or sixty years ago some of these graves were opened, and a 
number of Indian implements, of the kitchen and of war, were found 
in them. Few Indians have been buried there within a century past. 

" The Indians had a fort on the hill in the burying ground, and from 
that circumstance it was called Fort Hill. It is also a tradition, that 
they had another on the hill north of Daniel Hughes' house, and near 
the old ferry road. The appearance of shells shows that they had a 
village on that spot. The same indications appear in the woods of 
Southend Neck, west of the sluice. Great quantities of oyster shells 
are collected among the rocks and in the little valleys, on the banks of 
the river, showing the places where their weekwams stood."* 



East Haven, April 26, 1781. 
Early on Thursday morning last, the Guard House on the East side of our Har- 
bor, near the Battery, was discovered to be nearly destroyed by fire, and John Howe 
lying dead near the House; the rest of the Guard (eleven in number) who were sta- 
tioned there the evening before missing, supposed to be taken off by a Party from 
Long Island in Whale Boats, who set the building on Fire, and that Howe being on 
Centry, was shot dead ; but whether any others were killed or wounded, is not known , 
as the party who did the mischief got off undiscovered, and no accounts have been 
received of them since. 



Rev. Mr. Dodd's History of East Haven. 



20S EAST HAVEN. 

The following incidents were related by an aged lady, who is now 
living in the town of East Haven. They are said to have taken place 
at the time of the great excitement about witchcraft. These events 
were related to the lady by her father, who is now dead, and was an 
eye-witness of these occurrences. The relation may be considered as 
a fair sample of Witch stories, which in ancient times were generally 
believed. 

" The old gentleman referred to above, was riding on one bright moonlight evening 
in a very lonely place called the Dark Hollow, (a by-road which lends from East Haven 
to Fair Haven,) when he saw two females at the head of his horse, very earnestly 
(apparently) engaged in conversation, and keeping pace with his horse. He was con- 
siderably excited, and his feelings of fear were aroused, as he had no doubt that these 
were the famous hags that were disturbing the peace of the land. He had, however, 
courage enough to speak to them in these words, — " In the name of God, J beseech 
yon to tell me who you are." When wonderful to behold, they immediately vanished. 
He got off from his horse to look for them, but could find nothing but a riding hood, 
which lay where they disappeared 

" A short time after this event, the same gentleman was riding, as he says, past one 
of his orchards, and there appeared to him to be some one shaking one of his apple 
trees : a considerable quantity were falling to the ground. He went up to the tree, and 
the ground was covered with apples which had just fallen from this tree; but there 
was no one to be seen — all was still as the grave." 

" The following is still more mysterious, — there was an old woman that lived 
not far from the neighborhood of this gentleman, who was suspected by the neighbors 
of being one of these tormentors of mankind. Their hogs would run about on their 
hind legs, and squeal as though they were possessed by legions of unclean spirits ; 
their children would be taken sick and crying out " that some one was sticking pins 
in them." A member of one of the families, would roll about the floor with great 
rapidity, as though urged forward by some invisible power; and the members of the 
family had to keep an Eagle's eye on the rolling gentleman, lest he should roll into the 
fire. When the neighbors made their bread it was lull of hairs, and their soap would 
run over their kettles, and fly about the floor like burning lava, from the crater of Mt. 
Etna. In the night large stones would tumble down their chimneys and break their 
cooking utensils, setting the whole family in an uproar. It appeared as though the 
powers of darkness had been let loose from Pandemonium to torment these neighbors. 
But not long after these dilhculties all ceased in a singular manner, i. e. One of the 
neighbors' pigs was running about on its hind legs as described, and the man who 
was noticing it, jumped over into the pen and cut off one of its ears, and the old wo- 
man mentioned, always afterwards had one of her ears muffled. The neighbors were 
now satisfied that this woman was the cause of all their troubles. However they 
thought they would say nothing or do nothing for the present, but see how these things 
continued; and a short time after this one of the neighbors was making potash beside 
the river, and it began to fly out and run about so that they could do nothing with it. 
They held a consultation and concluded that they would shoot into it with a rifle, ac- 
cordingly they did; and immediately there was a calm, and they were enabled to ga 
on with their work and finish it. In the morning the neighbors went to the place 
where this woman resided, and they found her dead, and thus their troubles ended.* 
But it appears this woman was not the only suspected witch in the place; for in an 
old lonely house which stood on the road leading to New Haven, lights were seen in 
the night; the sound of the violin, and the noise of persons dancing, was heard by 
the inhabitants of the place, around it, until they went to work day after day, pulling 
its clapboards off, until the house was completely destroyed, to the joy of the inhabi- 
tants of the town, and nothing more of any consequence was heard of witches from 
that time."t 



* A granddaughter of this old woman is now living in East Haven. She is noted 
for her eccentricities, her singular life, &c. 

t The house which stands on the east side of the Episcopal church in East Haven, 
was built on the foundations of this house. 



GUILFORD. 209 



GUILFORD. 

The Indian name for Guilford was Menunkatuc. It is an ancient 
town, its settlement having commenced in 1639, the year after that in 
New Haven. "The principal planters were Henry Whitfield, Robert 
Kitcher, William Leet, Samuel Desborough, William Chittenden, John 
Bishop, and John Cassinge. The lands in Mil ford and Guilford, as 
well as in New Haven, were purchased by the principal men, in trust 
for all the inhabitants of the respective towns. Every planter, after 
paying his proportional part of the expenses, arising from laying out 
and settling the plantation, drew a lot or lots of land, in proportion to 
the money or estate which he had expended in the general purchase, 
and to the number of heads in his family. These principal men were 
judges in the respective towns, composing a court, to judge between 
man and man, divide inheritances and punish offenses according to the 
written word, until a body of laws should be established. The pur- 
chasers of Guilford agreed with the Indians, that they should move off 
the lands which they had purchased. According to the agreement they 
soon all removed from the plantation. The number of the first free 
planters appears to have been about forty."* 

The following extract is from a history of Guilford, by Rev. Thomas 
Ruggles, in the 4th vol. of the Massachusetts Historical Collections. 

" It fully appears that the purchase from the natives was full, clear, and satisfactory: 
That the purchase was made for, and the purchasers acted in behalf of, the planters 
as well as themselves : That all divisions of the purchased land were made to the res- 
pective planters, in an exact proportion to the sums they advanced in the purchasing 
and settling: of the town : And that the Indians, inhabiting the town, were to, and ac- 
cordingly did, remove from said land. Where they went to is not certain : The tra- 
dition is, that they removed to the westward, where Bran ford and East Haven now 
are: So that there is not one of the original Indians belonging to the township. From 
Aigicomock or East river to Tuxisshoag, (a pond contiguous to East Guilford meet- 
ing house,) was purchased of Uncas, sachem of the Mohegan Indians: from which it 
appears that the East river was the western limits of Uncas's jurisdiction. The re- 
maining part of the town, to Hammonasset river, Mr. Fenwielf, oi Saybrook, gave to 
the town on this condition, that the planters should accommodate Mr. Whitfield (who 
was his particular friend) with land in the town, agreeable to his mind. There were 
some small purchases made of particular Indians, within the limns of the township, 
who claimed a right to particular paits. 

" As soon as the purchase was completed, the planters removed from New Haven, 
though it was almost winter, and settled themselves at Guilford, flow the planters 
conducted themselves until the year 1G-13, does not appear upon record ; only this, the 
lands were left in the hands of their six purchasers, to whom the Indians gave the 
deed, as trustees, until a church should be gathered, into whose hands they might 
commit the fee of the land, to be properly divided amongst the planters. And while 
they remained in this unsettled state, they chose four of the principal planters, to 
whom they gave the full exercise of all civil power for administering justice, and pre- 
serving the peace among the planters; whose power was also to continue till the 
church appeared in form, when their power was to end. 

"As, therefore, so much depended on this, as soon as their wilderness state would 
admit, they did, in the month of April, 16*13, form themselves into a congregational 
church, into whose hands the purchasers of the land, and the persons invested with 
civil power, did actually, in a formal manner, in writing, resign all their rights and 
authority unto the church gathered on that day. Presently after this, the planters, 
who were chiefly church members, made regular divisions of all the lands, accord- 
ing to their respective shares, agreeably to their original covenant, and according to 



Dr. Trumbull. 

27 



210 



GUILFORD. 



their expenses and number in each family, (servants excepted.) But their divisions 
of land were under two restrictions: First, that no one should put into stock more than 
£500, without liberty: And, 2. That no person should sell or alien, in any manner, 
or purchase the share, or any part thereof, allotted to another, without express liberty 
from the community. The last article was strictly observed, which proved highly 
beneficial to the town, by preventing persons engrossing too much land; and sundry 
persons who presumed to violate this agreement were punished by fines and whipping. 
As this plantation was connected with New Haven, the inhabitants carefully adhered 
to the agreement made in Mr. Newman's barn, in all their affairs, religious and civil. 

" The planters, finding civil government absolutely necessary for their subsistence, 
established a system, as nearly as they could, conformed to the grants from the lords 
Say and Brook to Mr. Eaton and company. Their form of government was some- 
thin? singular. Like that at New Haven, it was a pure aristocracy, yet modeled and 
exercised in a peculiar way. They had one magistrate, who was Mr. Samuel Desbo- 
row, allowed them as a part of New Haven colony, of which he was one of the assist- 
ants and council, who was their head, and invested with the whole executive and ju- 
dicial power. But the planters were allowed to choose, annually, three or four depu- 
ties to sit with him, in judging and awarding punishments in all civil causes, in courts 
held by him, called General Courts. The inhabitants were divided into classes, or 
orders, by the names of freemen and planters. The freemen consisted of all the 
church members who partook of the sacrament, and no others were admitted. They 
were all under oath agreeably to their plan of government. Oat of this number were 
those deputies, and all public officers, chosen; and by them was managed all public 
business that was was regarded either interesting or honorable. The second class in- 
cluded all the inhabitants of the town, who composed their town-meetings, which 
were styled, emphatically, General Courts. It is however required, that they should 
be of age, (twenty one years,) and have a certain estate, to qualify them to act in said 
meetings. In these town meetings, or general courts, all divisions of land were lim- 
ited and established, and all the bye or peculiar laws, for the well ordering the planta- 
tion, were made And, in general, all transgressions of the town laws, relating to the 
buying or selling land, were punished, and fines and stripes were imposed and execu- 
ted, according to the nature of the offense, by the judgment of the said judicial court. 
Besides these general assemblies of the planters, and the said magistrates' court, they 
appointed particular courts for the administration of justice, much like our justices' 
courts at present. These were held quarterly through the year. The magistrate 
presided in these courts, and deputies were annually chosen to sit in council with him, 
in these courts also, by the freemen. Like New Haven, they had no juries in any 
trial; their deputies, in some measure, supplied that defect. From this court lay ap- 
peals, in allowed cases, to the court of assistants at New Haven. The said Mr. Sam- 
uel Desborow was the first magistrate who held the courts. In general, their judg- 
ment was final and decisive. Town officers were annually chosen, viz. marshals, a 
secretary, surveyors of highways, &c. much in the present manner. Military order 
and discipline were soon established, and watch and ward were kept, day and night, 
under a very strict charge; and the punishments for defaults, in this duty, were very- 
severe and exactly executed. Many of the houses were fortified with palisadoes, set 
deep in the ground. And a guard of soldiers, under a proper officer, was appointed 
every sabbath, in time of public worship, that no enemy might surprise them, and this 
was continued many years. All the laws, orders, and regulations were entered at 
large upon the town tecords. 

" The Rev. Mr. Henry Whitfield, who led forth this little flock into the wilderness, 
was their first pastor and minister. He had been episcopal!}' ordained in England. 
No mention is made on record, or by tradition, of any ordination of him here. As 
the members of his church came with him, and were his cure in England, gathering 
the church here seems to have been onlv matter of form, arising from place and local 
distance, on their removal; but he exercised his ministerial authority in the same 
manner, and by the same authority, he had done in England. Neither minister, 
church, or people, were ever dissenters or separaters from the church of England, 
onlv bv local remove from the realm. The minister and church were as truly such 
in Guilford as in England: All which rights, powers, and privileges remain to this 
day; and to depart from its communion, from any pleas of the professors of the 
church of England, are unreasonable, and without good foundation. Like the church 
in New Haven, they required a relation of experiences of members on their admission 
into the church. 

" Mr. Whitfield, their pastor, Mas a well bred gentleman, a good scholar, a great 
divine, and an excellent preacher. He was properly the father of the plantation. He 
loved his flock tenderly, and was extremely loved by ihcm. He was possessed of a 
large estate, and by far the richest of any of the planters; all of which he laid out 



GUILFORD. 211 

and spent in the plantation, for the benefit of it. At his own expense he built a large, 
firm, (and for those days,) handsome stone house, which served as a fort for himself 
and many of the inhabitants, upon the land allotted to him by the planters, in a very 
conspicuous and delightful place, having an extensive view of the sea in front ; and, 
with a comparatively small expense, might now be made the most durable and best 
house in the town : [That house has since been handsomely repaired :] A lasting me- 
morial of his greatness and benefactions to the town. In the change of times in Eng- 
land, under the commonwealth, he returned thither. Several of the planters returned 
with him ; among whom was Mr. Desborow, (who was near relation of Colonel Des- 
borow,) Mr. Jordan, &c. It was then the general opinion that the whole plantation 
would be deserted, as they had opportunity to transport them and families. 

" In consequence of his own expenses in purchasing the plantation, and Mr. Fen- 
wick's gift of the eastern part of the town, Mr. Whitfield had a large and very valua- 
ble allotment of some of the best lands in the township allotted to him. 

" Upon his return to England, he offered all his estate to the planters upon very low 
terms; but partly from poverty, but chiefly from a persuasion that they should all fol- 
low him, they did not make the purchase; but when it was too late, they repented their 
refusal. Alter his return home, he sold his estate to major Thompson, to whose heirs 
it descended. No mention is made on record of the time of Mr. Whitfield's removal; 
the tradition is, that he lived in the plantation about twelve years. When he left them, 
lie left Mr. John Higginson, his son-in-law, their teacher. He was son to Mr. Hig- 
ginson, first pastor of Salem church. He preached first at Saybrook fort, as chaplain, 
about the year 1643 ; after which he removed to Guilford, was one of the seven pil- 
lars, and assisted Mr. Whitfield in preaching until his removal. He was never or- 
dained in Guilford; but Mr. Whitfield left him to take care of the flock, as their 
teacher. In this work he continued about twelve years, and then determined to go 
to England. After Mr. Higginson's removal, the town was in a very unsettled state 
for about twenty years. There were several who ministered to them, particularly 
Mr. Bowers, who had a house and land in the town, but afterwards removed to New 
Haven and Derby. In this headless state of the church, they fell into great confusion, 
by diversity of opinions; many removed to Killingworth, (about ten miles east,) which 
was then settling; some of them returned afterwards, of whom was Doctor Rosseter. 
After they had waded through those troublesome times, about the year Mr. Jo- 
seph Elliott, son of the famous and pious Mr. John Elliott, of Roxbury, the Indian 
New England apostle, was ordained over the church here. After he had preached 
about thirty years he died, May 24, 1694. Some time after, in the summer of this 
year, Mr. Thomas Ruggles, of Roxbury, came and preached as a candidate; and in 
the fall of the year 1695 was ordained pastor of the church, under whose ministry 
the church enjoyed great peace, and religion flourished, though the seeds of division 
were then sowed. He deceased June 1, 17*28. His eldest son, Thomas Ruggles, who 
was the author of this manuscript, succeeded him March 26, 1729." 

The following is a west view of the old Stone House in Guilford, 
which is believed to be the oldest house now standing in the U. States. 
This building was erected by the company who first settled the town, 
about the year 1640. The leader or head of the company was Henry 
Whitfield, a minister of the church of England, and one of the number 
of those who were called Non-Conformists-. This house was built for 
him. The stone of which the building is constructed was brought on 
hand-barrows, from a ledge some considerable distance from the place 
where the house stands. The cement used in building the walls is said 
now to be harder than the stone itself. The walls were plastered 15 
or 20 years since. Mr. Whitfield, and several others of the company 
who came to this place in 1639, returned to England in 1649. This 
house was used by the first settlers as a kind of fort for some time, to 
defend themselves against the hostile savages. The first marriage which 
took place in this town was solemnized in this building. The supper 
which was provided for the occasion consisted of pork and pease.* 

* MSS. from Guilford. This house is now ocenpied, and in good repair. 



212 



GUILFORD. 




Ancient House at Guilford, Conn. 

Guilford is 16 miles east of New Haven, and 36 sooth from Hart- 
ford ; bounded n. by Durham, w. by Branford, e. by Madison, and s. 
by Long Island sound. Its length from north to south is about eleven 
miles, and its breadth averages about four. The township is divided 
into two parishes or societies, Guilford and North Guilford. In the first 
society is the borough of Guilford, which was incorporated in 1815; 
it is handsomely situated upon a tract of alluvial or maritime plain, about 
two miles back from the sea, and near a small stream, called the Me- 
nunkatuc. Its limits embrace the ancient town plot, which is laid out 
with considerable regularity. In the center there is an extensive open 
public square. The borough is compactly built, consisting of about 150 
dwelling houses, 2 churches, 1 Congregational and 1 Episcopal, and a 
town house. Many of the houses are ancient in their appearance, and 
the people have retained, more than most others in the State, the an- 
cient manners of the New England colonists. 

The following is a view of the Congregational chinch, situated on the 
north side of the public square. The first building north of the church 
is the academy, the next is the town house; the last two buildings 
formerly stood on the square. About sixty rods west of the church, the 
cellar in which Goffe and Whalley were secreted for a time, is still to 
be seen ; Governor Leete's store formerly stood over it. The tradition 
is that they remained in this cellar three days and nights. "A daugh- 
ter of Governor Leete afterwards married in New Haven to Mr. Trow- 
bridge. It is an anecdote still preserved in that family, that she often 
used to say that when she wa> a little girl these good men lay concealed 
under her father's store, but that she did not know of it till afterwards: 
that she well remembered, that at the time of it, she and the rest of the 
children were strictly prohibited from going near that store for several 
days, and that they wondered at it, and could not conceive the reason 



GUILFORD. 



213 



of it at the time, though they knew it afterwards. Tradition says that 
they were however constantly supplied with victuals from the gover- 
nor's tahle, sent to them by the maid, who long after was wont to glory 
in it, that she had fed those heavenly men." 




Congregational Church at Guilford. 

Guilford is a place of considerable resort during the warm season of 
the year, for the benefit of the sea air, &.c. There are two establish- 
ments for this purpose ; one about a mile and a half below the Congre- 
gational church ; the other at Sachem's Head, about three and a half 
miles to the southwest. Both these places are accessible to steamboats. 
The scenery in the vicinity of Sachem's Head is wild and picturesque. 
Agriculture is the principal business of the inhabitants. 

The following is from Ru^gles' MS. history of Guilford, in the 10th 
vol. of the Massachusetts Historical Collections. 

" So early as 1643, a Congregational church was gathered, or ratherthey then com- 
bined into a visible church state. They adopted Mr. Davenport's notions ; and formed 
the church by covenant upon seven pillars, as they termed it. The names of the 
seven pillars were 

Mr. Henry Whitfield, Mr. William Leete, Mr. John Mipham, and 

" John Higginson, " Jacob Sheefe, " JohnHoadly; 

" Samuel Desborow, 
and on the nineteenth day of the month of Apiil (probably the very day the church 
was thus settled) the records say, the feoffees in trust formally in writing resigned the 
land purchased by them to the church, &c. 

" The manner of gathering or forming the church was this, viz. a doctrine of faith 
was drawn up and assented to as the foundation of their connexion. And then they 
mutually entered into covenant, first with God to be his people in Jesus Christ ; then 
one with another, to walk together in attending all the duties of the christian religion 
and enjoyment of all the ordinances that belong to a particular visible church. Their 
doctrine of faith was judiciously drawn. It is short, comprehensive, and rational, 
upon true primitive, Calvin istical, and Congregational principles. This doctrine of 
faith with the covenant is continued and made use of constantly in admitting church 
members to this day by the first church." 

* * * * Mr. Higginson continued in the ministry at Guilford about 
twelve years, "and then determined logo to England to Mr. Whitfield. Accordingly 
he shipped himself and family, and sailed. But meeting with bad weather, the vessel 
pat into Salem for harbor. Going ashore to his father's people, they wanting a pastor, 
prevailed with him to preach, and then unship his family and goods, and settle with 
them. He accepted their call; was ordained their pastor; and left a numerous pes- 



214 GUILFORD. 

terity, which have been in renown in their several generations. This is the account 
he gives of himself in a book of sermons printed by him in his old age, and dedicated 
by him to the church and people of God at Salem, Guilford and Saybrook, where he 
preached at first in the time of the Pequod war." 

After Mr. Higginson's removal, " while they had no ordained pastor," and " fell 
into great confusion by diversity of religious opinions, many of the planters removed, 
especially to Killingvvorth, which was then settling, particularly Dr. Rosseter, Meigs, 
the Stevens family, and Chatfield, &c. who were useful in that town, and continue to 
be respectable in church and state there. Some of these returned, especially Rosseter 
and Meigs, after the town was restored to a peaceable settlement of a pastor." 

" After they had waded through these troublesome times, providence provided for 
them a pastor after God's own heart, to feed them with knowledge and understanding. 
For about the year 1664 or 1665, the renowned Mr. Joseph Eliot, son of the famous 
and pious Mr. John Eliot of Roxbury, (the Indian New England apostle) was called 
and introduced, and by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, was ordained to 
the pastoral office in the church. Mr. Mather of Northampton, with whom Mr. Eliot 
had lived some time before he came to Guilford, being the chief in the ordination. 
The church and town greatly flourished under his successful ministry. 

" After this burning and shining light had ministered to this good people about thirty 
years, he deceased May 24, 1694, to the inexpressible grief of his beloved flock, whose 
memory is not forgotten to this day. Some time in the summer of this year, the Rev. 
and pious Mr. Thomas Ruggles, likewise from Roxbury, was persuaded to come and 
preach to them as a candidate for the ministry, and in the fall of the year, 1695, was 
ordained pastor of this church, by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." 

* * * " Alter he had faithfully fed the flock, he deceased June 1, 1728, 
in the thirty fourth year of his ministry, and fifty-eigth year of his age." 

" His eldest son, Thomas Ruggles,* was called to succeed him, and was ordained 
by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, March 26, 1729. 

" Out of the first or western society the General Assembly, upon the desire of the 
inhabitants and consent of the society, made another society, calling it North-Guilford ; 
aud in June, 1725, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Russell from Branford, was by the laying on 
of the hands of the presbytery ordained the first pastor of the new church gathered 
there. He proved a worthy and faithful minister. He deceased January 19, 1746 : 
and Rev. Mr. John Richards from Waterbury, was ordained by the laying on of the 
hands of the presbytery, pastor of the church, in the month of November, 1748." 

" He, at his desire, was, by the counsel of the Consociation of New Haven county, 
dismissed, December, 1765, from his pastoral office there: and Mr. Thomas Wells 
Bray, from Farmimrton, was ordained pastor of the church, December 31, 1766." 

" Within the limits of the first, the General Assembly made another, calling it the 
Fourth Society in Guilford, May 10, 1733. Mr. Edmund Ward of Guilford was or- 
dained their pastor; but being soon dismissed, they did in August 1743, call and or- 
dain Mr. James Sprout, of Middleborough, their pastor; who being dismissed from 
them in October, 1763, t they now are destitute of a settled pastor." 

" In the year 1743, a number of the inhabitants of the First Society declared them- 
selves of the Church of England, and built a house for their public worship. They 
have no curate, their number small, but meet every sabbath to attend church service. 
And in 1748 a number at North Guilford also declared for the church, having built a 
house, and meet on sabbaths for worship. Perhaps there may be about sixty or 
seventy in all, young and old, belonging to the whole town of that communion." 

" It is uncertain who were the first or original planters. The first account of names 
upon record is so late down as 1650. These forty-six persons following are entered 
and named as such, viz. 

Henry Whitfield Thomas Jones Richard Bristow 

Samuel Desborow William Dudley John Parmelin, jun. 

John Higginson Thomas Cook Jasper Stilwell 

William Leete Henry Kingsnoth George Bartlet 

Robert Kitchil John Stone John Scran torn 

William Chittenden William Hall John Fowler 

Thomas Jordan John Parmelin, sen. Edward Benton 

George Hubbard Thomas Belts Abraham Cruttenden 

John Hodley Richard Gullridge John Evarts 

* The author of this history, who died November 20,1770. Rev. Amos Fowler 
vrsfs ordained his colleague, June 8, 1757. 
t He was resettled ^Philadelphia, and afterwards became D. D. 



GUILFORD. 215 

John Bishop, jun. John Stephens Stephen Bishop 

Francis Bushnell Benjamin Wright Thomas Stephens 

Henry Do wd John William Boreman 

Richard John Sheder Edward 

George Chatfield Samuel Blatchley George Highland 

William Stone Thomas French Abraham Cruttenden, jr. 

"It is a thing evident by this list of planters, that the account of all the original 
names is not ascertained; for some of the first planters are not mentioned in it, partic- 
ularly Mr. Coffinge, who was one of the purchasers from the Indians. Tradition 
concerning is, that he soon died, leaving no other memorial of his name but a small 
island in the salt meadow near the sea, called to this clay Coffing's island. And some 
that are named it is certain were not original planters or purchasers, particularly 
Hubbard and Fowler; they came from Hartford or Wethersfield, and as many 
others were, who came into the town afterwards, admitted planters in it, and had land 
laid out and assigned to them. Among such was Dr. Bryan Rosseter. One of this 
Dr. Rosseter's daughters married a Cotton, and his posterity continue to this time in 
town. Dr. Rosseter purchased Dr. Desborow's house and lands of him when he left 
the town with Mr. Whitfield, and returned to England." 



" As this plantation was connected with New Haven, so they carefully conformed 
to the agreement in Mr. Newman's barn in all their affairs religious and civil. Like 
their brethren at New Haven, they adopted and acted upon that unhappy mistake, that 
it is a thing of more importance to save and be governed by the steeple than the state. 

" Besides [having mentioned the Magistrates' Court, and Town Meetings, or Ge- 
neral Courts, as in Coll. Hist. Soc. iv. 185.] they held a Court of Probate. By which 
court, as often as there was occasion, wills as well as intestate estates were settled. 
The whole lands belonged to the community. And the title to any particular lands 
was by order of the town in their meetings. So upon this principle that the fee was 
really in the community, they in settling estates sometimes departed from the rule of 
East-Greenwich tenure : And sometimes settled the intestate estates upon the widow, 
sometimes on one of the children ; or sometimes on a stranger called to the family, as 
best served the general good of the family, and the prosperity of the infant plantation, 
in its minority. 

" But neither this court nor this practice continued long. As soon as New Ha- 
ven colony government became better settled and more fixed, settling estates was 
transferred and determined by the court of assistants at New Haven, agreeable to the 
present rules of the court of probate." 

" As the town was an immediate part of New Haven government, they were from 
the early times allowed an assistant or magistrate. Mr. Samuel Desborow, who next 
to Mr. Whitfield was esteemed the first and richest of the planters, was the first as- 
sistant. The next assistant in the town was Mr. William Leete. He came from 
England a young but a very hopeful man, as he proved to be afterwards both in New 
Haven, and, after the union, in Connecticut colony. The family tradition is, that 
in England he was a clerk in the quarter sessions of the county, bred for the law. He 
was an excellent writer, and for many years served as secretary or clerk of the town, 
all the ancient records being written in his hand; and had a good understanding in 
the law. His eldest son, John Leete, it is said, was the first child born in the town; 
and has left a numerous posterity. He was deputy governor of New Haven colony, 
and after the union was governor of the colony. He removed to Hartford, and there 
died and was buried. 

" The next magistrate in town was his second son Mr. Andrew Leete. He married 
a daughter of Mr. Jordan, one of the original planters. Like his father he proved an 
excellent man, who, it is said and believed, was the principal hand in securing and 
preserving the Charter, when it was just upon the point of being given up to Sir Ed- 
mond Andross. In his house it found a safe retirement until better times. Next after 
Mr. Leete was Mr. Josiah R.osseter, son of Dr. Rosseter, and since him Mr. Abraham 
Fowler, son of John Fowler. 

" The first planters who came to the town were of two ranks, viz. such who in 
England are called gentlemen and commonality. None were poor men, and few or 
no servants. The gentlemen were all men of wealth, and they bear the appellation 
of Mr. as Mr. Desborow, &c. while according to the plain customs of those times the 
commonality were named only Goodman or Neighbor, such or such an one. How 
greatly are times now changed ! Every man almost is called Mr., every woman Miss, 
Madam or Ladij. Popularity destroys all civil distinction. 

" The first planters, whether Gentlemen or Yeomen, were almost all of them hus- 
bandmen by profession: few tradesmen; not one blacksmith among them; it was 
with great cost the town obtained one to live among them. In this respect they were 



216 GUILFOltD. 

quite different from the first settlers of New Haven, although they came with them. 
The good people who came with Mr. Davenport were Londoners, bred to merchan- 
dise, and fixed upon a place proper for trading, which was their design. But Mr. 
Whitfield's people were quite the reverse, country people, and therefore chose their 
land- for different ends. Milford and Guilford were some time under consideration ; 
but at length they fixed their choice upon Guilford. As they came from Kent, &c. so 

they chose for their plantation land as near like those as they could." " And what 

justly deserves to be remembered is, that the ancient skill and spirit of the first plant- 
ers in husbandry has descended, and still continues among their posterity. There is 
a certain niceness and delicacy, wherein the perfection of husbandry consists. This 
is conspicuously to be found among them. It would be looked upon as a piece of van- 
ity unsufferable, to say all the good husbandry in the country has been learnt from 
these skillful people. But it is no vanity to say, there is no where better to be found. 
All strangers and Europeans agree to say, there is no place in the country to be found 
where the husbandry so nearly resembles the husbandry in England, especially in the 
fine piece of land called the Great Plain. 

" As the first planters of the town were, like Jacob, plain men, bred to tillage and 
keeping cattle: so a great deal of the same temper, and spirit, and manners, remains 
among their descendants to this day, as it was in Israel among the Rachabites. Indus- 
try, labor, and frugality, are in general the reigning spirit of the inhabitants. There 
is no such thing as tavern haunting, and little wasting of time in drinking and fruit- 
less diversions, the inhabitants are perhaps as little in debt as any town, and possessed 
of as much solid estate: yet with grief it must be said, that of late years fashionable 
vices, by a flowing in of strangers, and a great increase of sailors, and some other in- 
cidents, are too sadly predominant. Thus evil communication will ever corrupt good 
manners. It is a disease, as catching, as deadly as the plague itself. Alas, what a pity 
is it, that the country in general is so much overspread with and polluted by luxury 
and its attendants; and these recommended by the fair character of politeness and 
good breeding! 

" The harbor lies south of the town [of Guilford.] We go through the great plains 
to it. It is a very poor thing, shallow, and encumbered with many rocks. But then 
about two miles westward from it is an excellent though small harbor. It is land- 
locked on all sides, but the southwest; the entrance or mouth narrow. It is well known 
by coasters. It is called Sachem's II mi. It may not beunenterlaining to mention the 
occasion of its taking this extraordinary name. After the Pequod Indians were driv- 
en from their forts at Mystick river, they fled to the westward towards Fairfield, the 
English pursued them, and though most of the forces went from the fort at Saybrook 
by water, a number of soldiers with Uncas and his Indians scoured the shores near the 
sea, lest any of the Pequods should lurk there. Not a great way from this harbor, 
they came across a Pequod sachem with a few Indians, whom they pursued. As the 
south side of the harbor is formed by a long narrow point of land, the Pequods went 
on to this point, hoping their pursuers would have passed by them. But Uncas knew 
Indian's craft, and ordered some of his men to search that point. The Pequods, per- 
ceiving that they were pursued, swam over the mouth of the harbor, which is narrow. 
But they were way-laid, and taken as they landed. The sachem was sentenced to be 
shot to death. Uncas shot him with an arrow, cut oft" his head, and stuck it up in the 
crotch of a large oak tree near the harbor, where the skull remained for a great many 
years. Thus from this extraordinary incident, the name was adopted to the haibor." 



[From the Connecticut Journal.'] Guilford, Aug. 18, 17G9. 

In the town of G d, an under shepherd lately deserted or run away from his 

flock without leave or license, either from his own or the flocks of the circuit with 
which he was consociated, having nothing to keep him in countenance but the advice 
of seven of his brethren, and the concurring yelps of four of their spaniels. When 
he come to them, he had neither crook, shoes nor scrip, nor two coats; but soon 
clothed and warmed himself with their fleeces, and very soon became a listener to 
the bleatings of other flocks, and nothing would stop their din from his ears, but to 
stuff them with the fleeces of his own purchase. He may be found in the cool of the 
evening rolling in his chaise, with his charming shepherdess, — had on when he went 
away, a large presbyterian cloak somewhat soiled, with a full bottomed wig, and five 
or six hundred pounds of tleece from his flock. Whoever shall secure him, or set 
him over a herd of goats, till his master's will shall be known, no doubt when the 
flocks are gathered together, will meet with an ample reward. 

P. S. The reason why no inquiry has been made after him any sooner, was because 
he has made several rambles before, of a month or six weeks; it was not known but 
he would have returned again, and as there is no signs of it at present, it is likely 
there will be monthly some such inquiry made. 



HAMUEN. 217 

The following appears in the next paper. 

This may certify all whom it may concern, that the art of barking is taught by 
Toby Ramshom, Bell wether of the "flock of G—l—d. It is unnecessary lo expatiate 
on the benefit arising from the noble art, let it suffice that the flock in G — 1 — d under 
the instructions and directions of old Toby, have regained their liberty, driving away 
their shepherd, and are now harking at him alter he is gone. Old Toby instructs at 
the lowest price, in all the various ways of barking — teaches to bark by note both tre- 
ble, tenor, and bass, and is preparing a tieatise upon the subject of barking. He pro- 
poses for ready money, to bark either for religion or liberty, or against them ; and will 
bark gratis, monthly, I'm public good. He at present bears the bell in the flock at 
G — I — d, which is a fine flock, though we must confess very much hide-bound. A 
specimen of his skill in barking may be seen in the last paper. If any man, dog, wolf, 
sheep, or any other kind of animal, desires to be instructed in this noble art, let him 
repair to aforesaid Toby, who with all possible chea| :. less and diligence will teach him 
the exercise of the windpipe. 

Guilford, May 29rA, 1777. No. 502. 
General Parsons having received intelligence that the enemy had collected, and 
were collecting large quanlities of forage at Sagharbor, on Long Island — last Fri- 
day about 200 of the continental troops who had previously rendesvous'd at Sachem's 
Head, in Guilford, embarked on board a number of whale boats, commanded by 
Lieut. Col. Meigs, to destroy it; at about six o'clock, afternoon, they arrived at the 
beach, this side of Plumgut, and transported their boats about 50 rods, over the beach, 
when they again embarked, and landed several miles from Sag Harbor, where, (alter 
leaving a suitable guard to protect the boats,) they marched with such secrecy, as not 
to be discovered till within a few rods of the sentry; they soon set about destroying the 
forage. &c. As the enemy stationed there were entirely off their guard, our troops 
met with little opposition ; an armed schooner of 12 guns, which lay not far from the 
shore, kept an incessant fire on them, but happily did them no damage. Our people 
returned the fire, with their small arms, but whether with effect is not known ; five or 
six of the enemy on shore, were destroyed, and three or four made their escape; the 
others were made prisoners. Our people set fire to the hay (about 100 tons) which 
was on board transports, and on the wharves, which was entirely destroyed, with ten 
transport vessels, mostly sloops and schooners, and one armed vessel of six or eight 
guns, two or three hogsheads of rum, &c. Our troops are all returned, having per- 
formed their expedition in 24 hours. 

Return of ■prisoners taken at Sag Harbor. 
1 Captain, 2 Commissaries, 3 Sergeants, 53 Rank and file, 10 Masters of transports, 
27 Seamen ; in the whole, 90. Our people brought off 50 muskets. One of the com- 
missaries above mentioned, is Mr. Joseph Chew, formerly of New London. 



Guilford, June 21s/., 1781. 
Last Monday morning, two armed brigs and a schooner of the enemy's came to off 
Leete's Island, near Guilford harbor, where they landed about 150 men, who immedi- 
ately proceeded to the dwelling house of Mr. Leete, which they set on fire, together 
with two barns, which were entirely consumed. They also set fire to another dwell- 
ing house, but the inhabitants of the town being alarmed at their first approach, ar- 
rived soon enough to extinguish the flames. The enemy continued on the island 
about an hour and a half, in which time a large body of the militia having collected, 
very spiritedly attacked them, and, it is supposed, killed and wounded six or seven, as 
about the same number of muskets were left by them in their flight. Our loss was five 
wounded, two of which are since dead. The others are in a fair way of recovery. 



HAM DEN. 



Hamden was originally included within the limits of New Haven. 
It was made a distinct town in 1786. There are two societies, Mount 
Carmel, the northern section of the town, and East Plains, the south- 
ern. The church at Mount Carmel was formed Jan. 26th, 1764. It 
consisted of members from New Haven and North Haven. The Rev. 

28 



218 



II A M DEN 



Nathaniel Sherman was installed May 18th, 1768, dismissed August, 
1771, and died at East Windsor. The Rev. Joshua Perry was or- 
dained Oct. 15th, 1783, and dismissed 1790. "The church at East 
Plains was embodied 1795, and the Rev. Abraham Allen ordained 
1796." There are now four houses of worship within the limits of this 
town ; 2 Congregational, 1 Methodist, and 1 Episcopal. 

Hamden is centrally situated in the county, and is bounded n. by 
Cheshire and Wallingford, e. by North Haven, s. by New Haven, and 
w. by the West Rock range of mountains, separating it from Wood- 
bridge and Bethany. " Its average length is seven and a half miles, 
and its average breadth about three and a half, making about 26 square 
miles. A considerable section of the township is level ; the western 
border of it is mountainous, and the eastern considerably hilly. The 
township is situated between the West Rock range of mountains and 
the East Rock range. East Rock is the termination of an extensive 
greenstone range of mountains, which extends far into the interior of 
New England, leading through Cheshire, Southington, Farmington, 
Simsbury and Granby, into Massachusetts. It consists of a broken 
ridge, or a succession of hills, which become more elevated as you pro- 
ceed from East Rock. At Farmington, Simsbury and Granby, the ridge 
is more continuous and lofty, and bold in its features. West Rock is the 
termination of the west range of the same mountain ; it extends as far 
into the interior as the western section of Southington, where it sub- 
sides, or more properly unites with the East Rock range, of which it 
is properly a branch. This range consists also of greenstone, and is a 
succession of eminences, and exhibits similar features to the other. 
Hamden is situated between these two ranges ; the one being upon its 
western, and the other upon its eastern border. Mount Carmel, which 
is in some measure an insulated eminence, and appears to be a spur of 
the East Rock range, lies wholly within this town. This is one of the 
most elevated greenstone eminences in the State. The greenstone of 
these mountains forms an excellent building stone, and is extensively 
used for that purpose in New Haven. In the greenstone hills of this 
town, various minerals have been discovered. Iron pyrites, in minute 
pieces, and sometimes imperfectly crystallized, is found disseminated; 
and sulphuret of copper is sometimes found, connected with crystallized 
quartz. At a distant period, a large mass of native copper, weighing 
about 90 lbs. was accidentally discovered upon one of the greenstone 
hills of this town. It was preserved for a long time, and the remains 
of it were used, not more than 15 or 20 years since, in New Haven ; it 
was said to be very pure, and free from alloy. It is not known pre- 
cisely upon what spot this mass of native copper was found ; but copper 
is now known to exist in various places, in the greenstone hills of this 
town. Lead, in small quantities, has also been found."* 

The following is a south view of the central part of the town, 5£ miles 
from New Haven. The building on the extreme left with a spire is 
the Episcopal church : that on the right is the new hotel, erected the 

* Pease and Niles' Gazetteer. 



n a m r> e n 



219 




Central part of llaindvn. 

present year, (1836.) The road seen passing to the north is the turn- 
pike from New Haven to Hartford, on the Farmington route. The 
building seen in the extreme distance stands by the New Haven and 
Northampton canal ; the elevation beyond is Mount Carmel, which is 
8 miles from New Haven. This mountain is one of the most striking 
objects seen when off the harbor of New Haven. Its western descent 
is lofty and precipitous. The defile at the foot of the mountain is but 
barely sufficient in width to admit Mill river, the turnpike and the 
canal, which at this place is cut through a solid rock. This place is 
called the Steps. The town is watered by Mill river, a fine mill 
stream, affording numerous sites for water works. There is 1 manu- 
factory, called the Carmel Works, 6i miles from New Haven, for man- 
ufacturing coach and elliptic springs, steps and axletrees : 1 carriage and 
1 brass factory, 1 paper mill, and some minor establishments for manu- 
facturing purposes in other parts of the town. About three miles north 
from New Haven, upwards of 100 acres of land are now (1836) in a 
state of preparation for raising mulberry trees, and extensive prepara- 
tions are making for the silk business. 

The engraving on the next page shows the appearance of the little 
village of Whitneyville, as seen from the rise of ground a few rods 
south, on the New Haven road. This spot, which is two miles from 
New Haven, is admirably adapted for manufacturing purposes, and 
justly admired for the romantic beauty of its scenery. The village 
owes its rise and name to Eli Whitney, Esq. the inventor of the cotton 
gin. East Rock, (the northern descent of which is seen in the en- 
graving,) a little distance s. e. of the village, rises to the perpendicular 
height of three hundred and seventy feet, and is a majestic feature in 
the landscape. A small but handsome Congregational church has 
been recently erected a little distance north of this village, and is beau- 
tifully situated among the cedars. 



220 



HAMDKN. 




South view of WhitneijviUe, in Hamdcn. 

Mr. Whitney was born at Westborough, Mass. Dec. 8th, 1765. He 
was educated at Yale College, and soon after he graduated went into 
the state of Georgia. 

" He had been but a short time in Georgia, before he had an opportunity of conver- 
sing with several respectable planters of that state, and of frequently hearing their 
conversations with each other. In these casual meetings, inquiries relating to the 
most productive kinds of crops, were topics upon which t he planters dwelt with pecu- 
liar interest. Here he learned, that no crop then produced in Georgia, yielded much 
profit ; that several attempts had been made to raise a species of Cotton, known by the 
name of Green Seed Cotton ; but which had never been cultivated for the purposes of 
commerce in any country. The planters informed him, that the shrub, which yielded 
this cotton, grew well in Georgia, and was abundantly productive ; but that its fibres 
adhered so closely to the seed, as to be detached with great difficulty ; that no conven- 
ient and efficacious method of separating them had hitherto been discovered ; and 
that, if this difficulty could be surmounted, this cotton would be a more profitable crop 
than any which had hitherto been introduced into the southern section of the United 
Stales. On these and other occasions the wish was often and ardently expressed, that 
a machine might be invented for this purpose; and the declaration made, that such an 
invention would insure an independent fortune to its author. 

" A mind always awake and attentive to every thing passing before it, could not 
easily suffer an object, on which so much stress was laid, to escape without examina- 
tion. Mr. Whitney immediately set himself to investigate the structure of this pro- 
duct, and to devise means for rendering itr valuable to mankind. After pursuing his 
inquiries during a few months, he contrived and executed, under the patronage of 
Phineas Miller, Esq. a respectable planter in Georgia, a machine entirely new, both 
in its form and principle, which effectually answered the purpose ; and the utility of 
which has greatly exceeded every anticipation. 

"For this machine he obtained a patent: but, like many other benefactors of the 
public, had the mortification to see himself plundered of the benefits of his invention. 
The law, oi initially made to protect this species of property, was imperfect : and al- 
most all the individuals, composing the courts and juries of Georgia, were personally 
interested. The machine was converted into a political engine : and demagogues 
rose into popularity by unfounded and vociferous declamation against this species of 
right, and the law which was made for its protection. 

" To give a detailed account of the expedients, to which recourse was had, in order 
to defeat the claims of Mr. Whitney, would carry me beyond my limits. Suffice it to 
observe, that thirteen years of his patent term had expired, dm ing which more than 
sixty suits were instituted in that state, before any decision on the merits of his claim 
was obtained; and that, although every such decision has been in his favor, the ex- 
penses of prosecution have far exceeded what he has received from the citizens of 
Georgia. 



H A M D E N . 221 

" The Legislature of South Carolina voted him $50,000 as a purchase of the patent 
right for that state. The succeeding Legislature rescinded the vote, and ordered a 
suit to be instituted against him lor the recovery of $20,000 f the purchase money, 
which had been paid. " To the honor of many citizens of that state it ought to be ob- 
served, that this art was regarded by them with the detestation which it merited ; and 
that to their zealous and honorable exertions it was owing, that Mr. Whitney, after 
much delay and expense, was enabled to obtain a re-establishment of the contract. 

'" The Legislature of North Carolina laid and collected a tax on such of his cotton 
machines as were then in use in that state, and after deducting the expense of collec- 
tion, paid over the avails of the tax to Mr. Whitney. Though the cultivation of cot- 
ton in the state of North Carolina was then quite limited, and the amount which he 
received was small, yet the remuneration from that state, was considered by him as 
more liberal, in proportion to the use of his machines there, than the amount he re- 
ceived from South Carolina. 

" The only method of separating the fibres of this cotton from the seed so as to leave 
it fit for spinning, which was known, anterior to this discovery, was to pick out the 
seeds, one by one with the fingers ; and it was thought a proof of great dexterity, skill 
and industry, for one person to clean one pound in a day. With the aid of this ma- 
chine, a single person will, in one day, clean with ease a thousand pounds. Asa 
labor saving machine, therefore, it has, perhaps never been rivalled. 

" Before the invention of this machine, it will be remembered, that this species of 
cotton was not known in commerce: the expense of cleaning it being such, as abso- 
lutely to forbid its cultivation for market. If we add to these considerations the im- 
mense increase of wealth derived from it to the southern states, the incomprehensible 
increase of cheap, comfortable, and even handsome clothing, especially for the poor 
and middle classes of mankind, the value of this invention can hardly be exaggerated, 
or its benefits too highly appreciated."* 

Notwithstanding the immense importance of this invention to the 
southern states, "an invention," says Judge Johnson, of South Caro- 
lina, "by which their lands trebled in value," Mr. Whitney declared 
to a friend, near the close of his life, " that all he had received for the 
invention of the cotton gin, had not more than compensated him for the 
enormous expenses which he had incurred, and for the time which he 
had devoted during many of the best years of his life, in the prosecution 
of this subject. He therefore felt that his just claims on the cotton 
growing states, especially on those that had made him no returns for his 
invention, so important to his country, were still unsatisfied, and that 
both justice and honor required that compensation should be made." 

In 179S, Mr. Whitney became deeply impressed with the uncer- 
tainty of all his hopes founded on the cotton gin, and of the necessity 
of devoting himself to some business in order to sustain himself and 
family. The enterprise which he selected in accordance with these 
views, was the manufacture of arms for the United States. Through 
the influence of the Hon. Oliver Wolcott, Secretary of the Treasury, 
he obtained a contract for ten thousand stand of arms. The contract 
was concluded Jan. 14th, 1798, upon which he purchased the site in 
Hamden and erected his works. 

"Several other persons made contracts with the government at about the same 
time, and attempted the manufacture of muskets, following, substantially so far as 
they understood it, the method pursued in England. The result of their efforts was 
a complete failure to manufacture muskets of the quality required, at the price agreed 
to be paid by the government : and in some instances they expended in the execution 
of their contracts a considerable fortune in addition to the whole amount received for 
their work. 

" The low state to which the arts had been depressed in this country by the policy 
of England, under the colonial system, and from which they had then scarcely begun 
to recover, together with the high price of labor, and other causes, conspired to render 

* Dr. Dwight. 



222 H A M D E N . 

it impracticable at that time even for those most competent to the undertaking, to 
manufacture muskets here in the English method. And doubtless Mr. Whitney 
would have .shared the fate of hi^ enterprising but unsuccessful competitors, had he 
adopted the course which they pursued ; but his genius struck out lor him a course 
entirely new. 

" In maturing his system he had many obstacles to combat, and a much longer time 
was occupied, than he had anticipated; but with his characteristic firmness he pur- 
sued his object, in the face of the obloquy and ridicule of his competitors, the evil 
predictions of his enemies, and the still more discouraging and disheartening mis- 
givings, doubts, and apprehensions of his friends. His efforts were at last crowned 
will) success, and he had the satisfaction to find, that the business which had proved 
so ruinous lo others, was likely to prove not altogether unprofitable to himself. 

" Our limits do not permit us to give a minute and detailed account of the system; 
and we shall only glance at two or three of its more prominent features, for the pur- 
pose of illustrating its general character. 

i: The several parts of the musket were, under this system, carried along through 
the various processes of manufacture, in lots of some hundreds or thousands of each. 
In their various stages of progress, they were made to undergo successive operations 
by machinery, which not only vastly abridged the labor, but at the same time so fixed 
and determined their form and dimensions, as to make comparatively little skill ne- 
cessary in the manual operations. Such was the construction and arrangement of this 
machinery, that it could be worked by persons of little or no experience; and yet it 
performed the work with so much precision, that when, in the later stages of the pro- 
cess, the several parts of the musket came to be put together, they were as readily 
adapted to each other, as if each had been made for its respective fellow. A lot of 
these parts passed through the hands of several different workmen successively, (and 
in some cases several times returned, at intervals more or less remote, to the hands of 
the same workman,) each performing upon them every time some single and simple 
operation, by machinery or by hand, until they were completed. Thus Mr. Whitney 
reduced a complex business, embracing many ramifications, almost to a mere succes- 
sion of simple processes, and was thereby enabled to make a division of the labor 
among his workmen, on a principle which was not only more extensive, but altogether 
more philosophical, than that pursued in the English method. In England, the labor 
of making a musket was divided by making the different workmen the manufacturers 
of different limbs, while in Mr. Whitney's system the work was divided with reference 
10 its nature, and several workmen performed different operations on the same limb. 

" It will be readily seen that under such an arrangement any person of ordinary ca- 
pacity would soon acquire sufficient dexterity to perform a branch of the work. In- 
deed, so easy did Mr. Whitney find it to instruct new and inexperienced workmen, 
that he uniformly preferred to do so, rather than to attempt to combat the prejudices 
of those who had learned the business under a different system. 

" When Mr. Whitney's mode of conducting the business was brought into success- 
ful operation, and the utility of his machinery was fully demonstrated, the clouds of 
prejudice which lowered over his first efforts, were soon dissipated, and he had the sat- 
isfaction of seeing not only his system, but most of his machinery, introduced into ev- 
ery other considerable establishment for the manufacture of arms, both public and pri- 
vate, in the United States."* 

The following is from the muster roll of the first company organized 
in the East Plains society, in Hamden. It is stated to be " A true Roll 
of the 17th company, or train band, of the second regiment in the col- 
ony of Connecticut, under the command of Colonel Edward Ailing, 
Esq. Test, Charles Ailing, clerk of said company." This roll was 
previous to the Revolution, and from some entries thereon, it is believed 
that the company was formed about the year 1770. The names of the 
five sergeants were torn off. 

Stephen Ford, Cn ptain ; John Gillis, Lieutenant ; El isha Booth, Ensign; Charles 
Ailing, Clerk ; Samuel Cooper, Hezekiah Tuttlc. Drummers; Caleb Ailing, Moses 
Gilbert, Joseph Gilbert, Muses Foul, Corporals. Zadock Ailing, Amos Ailing, Medad 

Atwater, Abraham Allin?, Ebenezer A , Bassett, Ball, Bradley, 

Bassett, Timothy Cooper, Dan Carrington, Hezekiah Dickerman, Jonathan 

* Silliman's Journal of Science, Vol. xxi. — Memoir of Whitney. 






HAMDEN. '2:23 

Ford, Stephen Ford, Nathaniel Ford, Daniel Foul, Michael Gilbert, Gfegson (?) Gil- 
bert, Lemuel Gilbert, Dauiel Gilbert, Ebenezer M. Gilbert, John Gorhani, Amos Gil- 
bert, Sackit Gilbert, Nathaniel Heaton, jr. John Hubbard, jr. Homberston, Jolin 

Munson, David Munson, Nathaniel Munson, John Manser, Jabez Munson, John 
Munson, jr. Job Potter, Abel Potter, Timothy Potter, Levi Potter, Stephen Potter, 
Thomas Potter, Amos Potter, jr. John Roe, Abel Stockwell, Thos. Wm. Tallmage, 
Daniel Tall mage, jr. Gordain Turner, JaphetTuttle, Josiah Tallmage, Israel Woodin, 
Silas Woodin, Privates. 

Mr. John Gilbert, it is believed, was one of the sergeants whose 
names were lost ; he was afterwards a captain, and was killed, with five 
others of the Hamden company, at the time the British entered New 
Haven, July 5th, 1779: their names were Michael Gilbert, Samuel 
Woodin, Silas Woodin, Joseph Dorman, and Asa Todd. Most of these 
were killed outright, at the west end of Broadway, by a discharge of 
grape shot from the enemy. Capt. Stephen Ford, who was a member 
of the Hamden company, and from whom the foregoing roll was ob- 
tained, is still living in Hamden. He states that Capt. Gilbert was 
wounded in the leg at the discharge mentioned above : he fled for his 
horse, which was tied near the College, and as he was not able to go 
very fast, he was overtaken by Capt. Parker : Capt. Gilbert offered to 

surrender, if his life could be spared. Parker, calling him a d d 

rebel, ordered a soldier to shoot him down. Upon this, Capt. Gilbert 
discharged his gun at Parker, who fell from his horse, badly wounded ; 
of course Capt. Gilbert was immediately killed. 



Connecticut Gazette, (New London,) July 12, 1782. No. 974. 

New Haven, June 26, 1782. 

Last Monday morning about 9 o'clock, Mrs. Mary Edwards, the consort of the Rev. 
Mr. Jonathan Edwards of this town, was drowned in Mr. Sabine's mill pond.* 

She rode out in a chair, with a view to transact some domestic affairs' with a family 
about two miles from town, and coming to the pond, appeared to have turned the horse 
with a view to water him at a place which appeared smooth and convenient for the 
purpose ; but the shore a i'ew feet from the edge of the pond was uncommonly steep, 
descending at once, and the horse, probably eager to drink, and pressing forward too 
far, plunged instantly into eight or ten feet water. No person saw Mrs. Edwards 
when she was drowning, but a lad on horseback just behind her, hearing a person 
scream, rode forward, and seeing the horse and chair in the pond, immediately 
alarmed the neighborhood. The waters were so deep and muddy, that it was an hour 
and a half before she was found, though the utmost exertions were made. The physi- 
cian tried every probable expedient for more than an hour to recover her, but in vain. 
The jury gave their verdict that she was accidentally drowned. * * * * 

Her funeral was attended yesterday, when an animated and exceedingly tender ser- 
mon was preached from Phil. i. 21, to a very numerous and solemn audience, by the 
Rev. Dr. Stiles. Her remains were followed to the grave by the most numerous pro- 
cession ever seen in this town ; which gave an ocular demonstration, that as she lived 
desired, so she departed universally lamented. ******* 



The following inscription is copied from a monument in a small grave 
yard in this town. 

In memory of Mr. John Potter, who died Nov. 10, 1784, vE. 78. Also Mrs. Esther, 
his wife, who died Dec. 21st, 1773, JE. 64; and of Maj. Thomas Potter and family, 
who are removed to Meadville, Pennsylvania. 

* This was about 60 rods north of the bridge at Whitneyville. 



224 



MADISON, 



MADISON 




Lee's Academy and Congregational Church in Madison. 

This town was incorporated in 1826. Its limits embrace what was 
formerly the second and fourth ecclesiastical societies in Guilford. 
There are now two parishes ; Madison, formerly called East Guilford, 
and North Madison, formerly North Bristol. The town is about nine 
miles in length, and may average perhaps about four in breadth. The 
lands in Madison, the south parish, by the use of white fish as a ma- 
nure, have become quite productive. These fish were first used here 
for this purpose in the summer of 1798. It is believed they were first 
used as a manure in this country on Long Island. This fishery com- 
mences about the first of June, and continues for three or four months. 
From 10 to 15,000 fish are considered as a sufficient dressing for an acre 
of ground. The best method of using them is thought to be to plow 
them in : a great proportion are left on the top of the ground, — a fish 
thrown on a hill of corn or potatoes makes a material difference in 
the produce. These fish are now extensively used in the maritime 
towns in the state. Madison produces considerable quantities of pota- 
toes for exportation, rye, Indian corn, &ic. There are a number of 
quarries near the shore, from which considerable quantities of paving 
stone are taken for exportation. Ship building is the leading mechan- 
ical business done in the place. North Madison is rocky and hilly, and 
it is believed that full one half of the land is unfit for cultivation, and is 
left for the growth of wood. Great quantities of excellent charcoal are 
made in this parish, which is carried to New Haven and Middletown 
for a market. 

The above is a western view of Lee's Academy and the Congrega- 
tional church in Madison. The Academy, which is a respectable in- 
stitution, derived its name from the late Capt. Frederick Lee, com- 



MADISON. 225 

mander of a revenue cutter, who was one of its benefactors. This place 
is five miles from Guilford, and twenty one from New Haven. The 
principal part of the buildings in this society are situated on one street, 
passing through the town, and running a short distance from and paral- 
lel with the sea coast. 

The Rev. John Hart was the first minister in Madison. In May, 
1703, the General Assembly formed the society of East Guilford. Mr. 
Hart was ordained the first pastor of the newly gathered church, in 
November, 1707. He was from Farmington, and was a preacher of 
the first eminence in his day. He died Marcli 4th, 1732, aged 49. 
Their next minister was the Rev. Jonathan Todd, from New Haven, 
who was ordained in 1733. The first minister in North Madison, was 
the Rev. Richard Ely, from Lyme, who was ordained here June 8th, 
1757. 

Mr. Nathan Bradley* was one of the first settlers of this town. He 
built his house about two and a half miles eastward of Madison church, 
and near the Killingworth line. He was but a lad when he came from 
England. He intended to have landed at New Haven, but was obliged 
to land at Saybrook, and come across the wilderness to New Haven, 
there being no settlement at that time between that place and Saybrook. 
Mr. Bradley, who was quite a hunter, was the first white person who dis- 
covered the source of Hammonasset river, which originates in a pond still 
called Nathan's pond. Mr. B. lived to an advanced age, and it is said 
that he killed several hundred deer while he resided in this town. In 
the winter season, bears, wolves, and other wild animals, would resort to 
the sea coast in considerable numbers. Mr. B. in his old age went to 
see a friend who lived about a mile northerly from the present meeting 
house in Madison. On his way he was met by a bear and her cubs. 
He endeavored to ride round her, but as he moved, the bear moved ; 
when he stopped, she stopped, and sitting on her haunches, presented 
an undaunted front, and seemed determined to oppose his farther pro- 
gress. Mr. B. was obliged to turn back, and being somewhat childish 
in his old age, shed tears, that he who had killed so many of these 
creatures, should be obliged at last to turn his back upon one of them. 



Some of the inhabitants of Madison follow the sea-faring business. 
In accordance with this occupation, some of the inscriptions on the 
monuments in the grave yard west of the Academy, correspond. The 
following is from a tabular monument in memory of Capt. E. Griffin. 



Though Boreas' blasts and Neptune's waves 

Have toss'd me to and fro, 
In spite of both by God's decree 

I harbor here below, 



Where I do at anchor ride 
With many of our fleet ; 

Yet once again I must set sail 
Our Admiral, Christ, to meet. 



The Hon. Thomas Chittenden, for many years governor of the state 
of Vermont, was a native of this town. He was born 6th January, 

* Mr. Zebul Bradley of New Haven, now 56 years of age, is his great grandson. 
Mr. Bradley had five or six brothers, who came over about the period he arrived. 
They were all Cromwell's men, and staunch dissenters. 

29 



226 



MEKIDES. 



1730 ; and at the age of twenty one years (1751) he removed to Salis- 
bury in this state, where he continued until 1773, when he the second 
time encountered the privations and hardships of a new country, by 
emigrating into the state of Vermont. But he was amply rewarded 
for his enterprise, having made a valuable location of land, upon the 
beautiful alluvial of the Onion river, which soon became valuable, and 
enabled him to leave a large estate to his posterity. He was also hon- 
ored with the confidence of the public, and attained to distinguished 
public employments, having been elected the first governor of that 
state, in March, 1778. He died August 25th, 1797.* 

Ebenezer Chittenden, brother to the preceding, was possessed of a 
great mechanical genius, and was the inventor of a machine for cutting 
and bending card teeth. This was before the Revolution. Being of 
an open and communicative disposition, some person, taking advantage 
ol this trait in his character, obtained a knowledge of his invention, 
went to England and took out a patent, claiming himself to have been 
the oriirinal inventor. 



MERIDEN. 



Meriden was originally a society in the town of Wallingford, and 
was incorporated as a town in 1806. The society was formed in 1725, 
" It consisted at first of between 30 and 40 families. They had preach- 
ing only in the winter season, for the first three years, and met in a pri- 
vate house two winters. Their first meeting house was built in 1727. 
The Rev. Theophilus Hall went to preach to them in December, 1728. 
The next year a church was gathered, and Mr. Hall was ordained their 
pastor. Their second meeting house was built in 1755. Mr. Hall died 
in 1767, in the 60th year of his age and 38th of his ministry. He was 
much esteemed as a preacher of great firmness and stability, and a zeal- 
ous advocate for civil and religious liberty."! 

The following view is rather east of south ; the first building on the 
left, before which a stage is passing, is the Episcopal, the next the Bap- 
tist, the other is the Congregational church, which is the largest of the 
three. The building in the distance, on the right, has been long known 
as an excellent tavern, and is the half-way house from Hartford to New 
Haven, it being seventeen miles from each place. The elevated peak 
seen in the distance above the half-way house is Mount Lamentation, 
about 3 miles distant, and is by far the most elevated point of the Mid- 
dletown and Wallingford range of mountains. It is the most prominent 
object which meets the eye for many miles, as you pass either north or 
south from Meriden. 

Meriden is bounded n. by Berlin, e. by Middletown, s. by Walling- 
ford, and w. by Cheshire and Southington. Its average length from 
east to west is 5 miles, and its average breadth 4£ miles. The town- 
ship is hilly, and some sections of it are mountainous. The Middle- 

* Pease and Niles' Gazetteer. t Dr. Dana's Century Sermon. 



MERIDEN. 



227 




Southern view of the Churches in Meriden. 

town and Wallingford range of mountains or hills passes through the 
eastern border of the town. Of this range, Mount Lamentation, which 
is in the northeastern part of the township, is the most elevated. The 
soil in the town is a gravelly and sandy loam, and is considerably fer- 
tile, producing grass, grain, he. The Quinnipiac river passes through 
the southwestern part of the town, and several of its branches run 
through the interior. 

This is one of the most flourishing and enterprising manufacturing 
towns in the State. There is a considerable variety of manufactures 
here, forming the chief employment of the inhabitants. The follow- 
ing is a list of the manufactories, viz. 2 for patent augers and auger bits, 
3 for ivory combs, 6 for tin ware, 4 for Britannia ware, 2 iron founde- 
ries, 1 manufactory for coffee mills, 1 for clocks, 1 for Norfolk door- 
latches, 3 for block-tin spoons, 1 for wood combs, 1 for skates and iron 
rakes, and 1 for gridirons. The value of articles manufactured yearly, 
has been estimated from 300,000 to 1,000,000 of dollars. The Meri- 
den Bank is located in the village. 

About thirty years since a road was constructed from the northwest- 
ern part of Meriden to Berlin, through a narrow and romantic glen, be- 
tween two ridges of the Blue Mountains; this pass, which is more than 
a mile in extent, is called the Cat Hole. In some parts of this glen 
there is but barely room for a path ; small angular fragments of rocks 
rise on each side, at about an angle of forty five degrees ; these rocks 
have been beaten down and covered with earth, which must have been 
brought here for the purpose. The engraving shows the narrowest 
part of the passage, as you go to the south. A few yards south of this 
place, elevated perpendicular rocks appear on the left, one of which 
has very much the appearance of a profile of the human face, and it is 
thought by some to resemble in a slight degree the profile of Washing- 



228 



MERIDEN 




North view of the Cat Hole pass, in Meriden. 

ton, the Father of his country ; there was, however, at the time this 
drawing was taken, a defect in the under lip, which it will be necessary 
for the imagination to remedy. Following the foot of the mountain on 
the right, for about a mile, you will find large pieces of rocks lying up- 
on each other in great disorder, which have evidently fallen from the 
precipitous heights above. Underneath these rocks ice may be found 
in almost every month in the year. A spring issues from between them, 
called the Cold Spring, and is a place of resort on the fourth of July. 

The tradition is, tha the regicides, in their wanderings, came to Mer- 
iden, and made a stopping place on the bank of a stream west of the 
churches, and gave it the name of " Pilgrim's Harbor." " It is now 
spoken of as the " harbor," as much or as familiarly as that at New 
Haven." 

The first stage in Connecticut ran through Meriden, on the old country 
road west of the central village, where the rail road is now located ; this 
was in 1784. At or before the union of the colonies of Connecticut 
and New Haven, there was a grant made to a Mr. Belcher of a tract of 
land containing five hundred acres, upon condition of his building a stone 
house or fort with port holes, and to keep arms and ammunition. With 
the land, he was to have the right of keeping tavern forever. Belcher 
did not come himself, but it appears he sent some one to take his place. 
The house or fort was erected between the years 1660 and 1667. This 
building proving too small, another was erected about 1690. This re- 
mained and was occupied till after the close of the Revolutionary war, 
with the addition of a wooden building, and whoever lived there kept 
tavern if they pleased, until the turnpike was made in 1799. It was 
situated in quite the upper part of the town, on the old road, and was a 
noted place during the French and Revolutionary wars. The village 
where the half-way tavern now is, has all been built during the last fifty 
years, with the exception of two or three houses. 



MIDDLEBURY. Mil, FORD. 229 



MIDDLEBURY. 



Middlebury was incorporated as a town in 1807. It was formed 
from a section of the towns of Waterbury, Woodbury and Southbury. 
It derived its name from the fact of its occupying a middle position in 
reference to these towns. It is 22 miles from New Haven, and 36 
from Hartford, bounded n. by Watertown and Woodbury, w. by Wood- 
bury, s. by Oxford, and e. by Waterbury. It is about five miles in 
length from north to south, and has an average breadth of about four. 

The surface of the town is hilly and rocky, and its appearance rather 
rough and sterile. The rocks are principally granite, and the soil is a 
hard, coarse, gravelly loam, affording tolerable grazing ; rye is cultiva- 
ted with some success. The town forms one Congregational society, 
and a society of Methodists, each of which has a house of worship 
in the center of the town. The number of inhabitants in 1830 was 
S16, being 31 less than there were in 1810. Agriculture is the prin- 
cipal business of the inhabitants. A satinet factory has, however, 
been recently erected at the outlet of Quascpaug pond or lake, a body 
of water on the western border of the town, which discharges its waters 
into the Housatonic. This pond, in some places, is of great depth, and 
furnishes at its outlet very superior water privileges. There is in the 
place a pump manufactory upon a new plan, recently invented by Mr. 
Daniel Abbot. 

About a mile north of the meeting houses in this town, is a hill of 
considerable elevation, called Break neck hill. It derives its name 
from the circumstance of one of the cattle falling and breaking its neck 
in descending the hill, while employed in transporting the baggage of the 
troops under the command of Gen. La Fayette. The army, which was 
passing from the eastward to Hudson river, encamped one night on the 
summit of this hill. La Fayette and some of his officers lodged in a 
tavern in the valley eastward, then kept by Mr. Isaac Bronson. A 
new house has been recently erected on the site by his grandson. 



MILFORD. 



Milford is one of the oldest towns in Connecticut. It was one of 
the six plantations which composed the "Old Jurisdiction of New Ha- 
ven." The settlement was commenced in 1639. The first purchase 
of land was made of the Indians on the 12th of February, which com- 
prehended about two miles of what is now the center of the town. The 
deed was jjiven to Mr. William Fowler, Edmond Tapp, Zacheriah 
Whitman and Alexander Bryan, in trust for the body of planters. The 
consideration was "6 coats, 10 blankets, 1 kettle, besides a number of 
hoes, knives, hatchets and glasses." The instrument was signed by 
Ansantawae, the sagamore, by Arracowset, Anshuta, Manamatque and 
others. Afterwards at different times other purchases were made. The 



230 miltord. 

tract lying west of the settlement, on the Housatonic river, was bought 
on the 20th of December, 1659, for the sum of £26, to be paid in 
goods. ■ The Indian Neck, lying between the East river and the Sound, 
was purchased on the 2d of January, 1659-60, for the consideration of 
£25. A reservation of 20 acres was made by the Indians in this tract 
for planting ground, which reservation they sold on the 12th of Decem- 
ber, 1661, for six coats, two blankets and two pair of breeches. By 
this last agreement, " Ansantawae, and wife, and his sons Tountone- 
moe and Ankeanach, in case of danger," were granted " liberty to sit 
down for shelter in some place near the town, where the townsmen 
should think most fit." A tract of land lying above the path that goeth 
from Derby to New Haven, a mile and six score rods in breadth, was 
bought on the 17th of June, 1685. A tract, commonly called the two- 
bit purchase, " lying north of Bladen's brook, and extending to Lebanon 
brook, a mile and six score rods in breadth," was bought on the 29th of 
February, 1700, for the consideration of £15 in pay, and 15s. in sil- 
ver; and that tract commonly denominated the one-bit purchase lying 
north of Lebanon brook, and running upward to Beacon hill river, a 
mile and six score rods in breadth, was purchased on the 23d day of 
February, 1702, for £5 in money, or otherwise £7 10s. in pay. Thus 
it appears that the town once extended 20 miles north to Waterbury 
line, but its territory has been ceded to help form other towns, till it is 
now contracted into a little triangle of about 6 miles in length on each 
side. Parts of these ancient purchases are now contained in the towns 
of Waterbury, Derby, Woodbridge and Orange. 

The town is (now) bounded west by the Housatonic river, southeast 
by Long island sound, and northeast by Orange. The Indian name 
of the place was Wepawaug. The original settlers were mostly from 
the counties of Essex and York. A number of them came to New 
England with Messrs. Eaton and Davenport's company, and remained 
with them at New Haven during the year of 1638. Their pastor, Mr. 
Peter Prudden, (from Edgeton, Yorkshire,) preached with the people 
of Wethersfield, who at that time had no minister, while his congrega- 
tion were making preparation to commence the settlement. While he 
officiated there, a number became so attached to him, that when he left, 
they accompanied him, and incorporated with his church. These were 
before from Watertown, Massachusetts, and were part of Sir Richard 
Saltonstall's company. 

The first planters of the town stand enrolled in the following order 
on the first page of Lib. I. of Milford Records. 

November 20th, 1C39. — " Those persons whose names are hereunder written, are al- 
lowed to be Free Planters, having for the present, liberty to act in the choyce of public 
officers, for the carrying on of public affaires in this plantation. 

Zechariah Whitman Mr. Peter Prndden Nathaniel Baldwin 

Thomas Welch William Fowler James Prudden 

Thomas Wheeler John Astwood Thomas Baker 

EdmondTapp Richard Baldwin George Clark, senior 

Thomas Buckingham Benjamin Fenn George Hubbard 

Richard Miles Samuel Coley Jasper Gunn 

Richard Piatt John Peacocke John Fletcher 

Thomas Tapping Henry Stonhill Alexander Bryan 



MILFORD 



231 



Frances Bolt 
Micah Tomkins 
John Birdsey 
Edmond Harvey 
John Lane 
William East 
Thomas Lawrence 



Nicholas Camp 
John Rogers 
Thomas UrTot 
Nathaniel Brisco 
Thomas Tibbals 
John Sherman 



Thomas Sandford 
Timothy Baldwin 
George Clark, junior 
John B unveil 
Henry Botsford"- 
Joseph Baldwin 
Philip Hatler 

The following persons are recorded immediately after, but not as free 
planters, they not being in church fellowship, which was a requisite 
qualification in the view of these colonists, before a person could be ad- 
mitted a " free planter." 

Robert Plum William Slough Robert Treat 

Roger Terrill Andrew Benton Henry Lyon 

Joseph Northrup William Brooke John Fowler 
-* John Baldwin 

By this list it appears there were 54 beads of families, (admitting 
them all married,) and if we allow only four individuals to a family, it 
would make upwards of 200 persons who first came to Milford. From 
some data on the Record, there is reason to suppose this calculation not 
too large. 

The following is a list of the principal after planters : 



Henry Allen 
Edward Adams 
Joshua Atwater 
Joseph Ashburn 
Hants Albers 
Thomas Andrew 
Thomas Bayley 
- Thomas Beardsley 
John Brown 
Roger Betts 
Thomas Betts 
Thomas Beach 
Thomas Campfield 
Robert Denison 
Gilbert Dalison 
Charles Deal 
Robert Downs 
Samael Eells 
Thomas Farman 
Nathaniel Farrand 
John Ford 
Thomas Ford 



Stephen Freeman 
John Fisk 
Nathaniel Gould 
Joseph Guernsey 
Thomas Hine 
Richard Haughton 
Thomas Hayes 
Richard Holbrook 
Richard Hollingworth 
Walter Joye 
Simon Lobdell 
Jonathan Law 
Jesse Lambert 
Miles Merwin 
Miles Moore 
Jonathan Marsh 
Thomas Mecock 
Samuel Nettleton 
Roger Newton 
Francis Norton 
Abraham Pierson 
James Prime 



John Prindle 
Joseph Peck 
Roger Piitchard 
David Phillips 
Edward Riggs 
William Roberts 
Thomas Read 
Joseph Sill 
Richard Sluite 
John Smith 
John Stream 
John Stone 
Vincent Stilson 
Peter Simpson 
Edward Turner 
Henry Tomlinson 
William Tyler 
Edward Wooster 
Edward Wilkinson 
Thomas Ward 
Joseph Waters 



Twelve of the first settlers afterwards removed, viz. Richard Miles to 
New Haven ; Thomas Tapping to Southampton, L. I., but returned in 
1773. \ John Astwood went to England as agent for the Court of Com- 
missioners of the United Colonies, and died in London in 1654. Hen- 
ry Stonhill (in 1648) and Philip Hatly (in 1649) returned to London. 
John Peacocke removed in 1651 to Newport, (R. I.) ; Thomas Baker 
in 1650 to East Hampton ; Edward Harvey and Henry Lyon in 1654 
to Fairfield; George Hubbard in 1650; John Fowler in 1660; Andrew 
Benton in 1666 to Guilford ; John Birdsey in 1649 to Stratford. 

The body of planters moved from New Haven to Milford by land, 
following the devious Indian foot path, driving ther cattle and other 
domestic animals before them, while their household utensils and the 
materials for " the common house" (which was fitted at New Haven) 



232 MILFORD. 

were taken round by water. Thomas Tibbals piloted the company 
through the woods to the place,. " he having been there a number of 
times before; for which service the town, in 1670, " made him two 
grants of land lying in Westfield as a free gift." All safely arrived ; 
they erected their common house at the head of the harbor on the west 
side, and a few rude huts for temporary residences. They then pro- 
ceeded to form their civil polity. Considering themselves as without 
the pale of jurisdiction, (as in fact they were until they united with 
New Haven in 1644,) they combined into a little republic. At their 
first general meeting, Nov. 20th, 1639, it was voted " that the power of 
electing officers and persons to divide the land into lots, to take order 
for the timber, and to manage the common interests of the plantation, 
should be in the church only. It was also voted that they would guide 
themselves in all their doings by the rule of the written Word of God, 
till such time as a body of laws should be established." 

William Fowler, Edmond Tapp, Zechariah Whitman, John Astwood 
and Richard Miles, were then chosen forjudges in all civil affairs, to 
try all causes between man and man ; and as a court to punish any of- 
fense and misdemeanor. 

It was "voted that the persons invested with magistracy should have 
power to call a general court (o? - town meeting) whenever they might 
see cause, or the public good require it." 

It was also voted that they should hold particular courts once in six 
weeks, wherein should be tried such causes as might be brought before 
them, they to examine witnesses upon oath as need should require. 

It was further voted and agreed, that according to the sum of money 
which each person paid toward the public charges, in such proportion 
should he receive or be repaid in lands, and that all planters who might 
come after should pay their share equally for some other public use. 

The first settlers located themselves on each side of the Mill river 
and the West End brook, probably for the convenience of water for 
themselves and cattle. Most of them soon erected frame houses, cov- 
ered with rent oak clapboards, in the old leanto style. Their house 
lots were laid out in parallel narrow slips, containing each about three 
acres. They thus kept near together for their better security in case of 
an attack from the Indians. They immediately fenced in common 
three tracts of land, in which each individual received by lot his portion 
of "upland." Westfield, which was the land that lies south of the 
town between the turnpike and great meadow, was laid out to those 
who settled at the west end. Eastfield, which enclosed the Gulf Neck, 
was possessed by those located on the river. Mill Neck, the tract ly- 
ing between Wharf street and Bear Neck lane, was owned by a part of 
both. Each person was further allotted a piece of meadow land lying 
either in the great or the harbor meadows. As the population increas- 
ed and the danger from the Indians became less, the land further from 
the center was gradually laid out and settled. 

At the second General Court, held March 9th, 1640, "It was agreed 
between William Fowler and the brethren that he should build a mill 
and have her going by the last of September." For his encourage- 



MILFORD. 233 

merit the town made him a grant of 30 acres of land, which long bore 
the name of the mill lot. This agreement had reference only to a grist 
mill, but he soon added a saw mill. This mill establishment is yet re- 
tained in the family. At the next General Court held Novembert 24th, 
1640, " With common consent and general vote of the freemen, the 
plantation was named Milford," in commemoration of the town of this 
name in their native England. The Court of Jive Judges at this meet- 
ing were directed "to build a bridge over the Mill river with all expe- 
dition," and also " to set out a meeting house thirty feet square, after 
such manner as they should judge the most convenient for the public 
good." The site of the building was the same of the present meeting 
house of the first society. In 1709, this house had become so much 
crowded that it was voted in town meeting that " whosoever should 
needlessly set out of his seat, should forfeit the sum of five shillings to 
the town treasury." It stood until 1727. 

The first settlers being of those people who left England that they 
might enjoy their religious sentiments unmolested, they took an early 
opportunity to form themselves into a church constituted according to 
their particular views. It was organized at New Haven at the same 
time with the church in that place on the 2d of August, 1639. The 
method of forming their churches was similar to that of New Haven, 
Seven persons were first chosen, who joined in covenant to be the 
church, and were called " the pillars." To these the rest were added. 
They took their plan from the text, " Wisdom hath builded her house, 
she hath hewn out her seven pillars." Milford church pillars were 
Peter Prudden, pastor, William Fowler, Edmond Tapp, Zechariah 
Whitman, John Astwood, Thomas Buckingham, Thomas Welch. Mr. 
Prudden was installed at New Haven on the 18th of April, 1640. John 
Sherman was chosen teacher, (but declined the office.) Zechariah 
Whitman was ordained ruling elder June 26, 1645. 

The ministers of this church since Mr. Prudden, have been Roger 
Newton, installed August 22d, 1660. Samuel Andrew, ordained Nov. 
18, 1685. Samuel Whittlesey, ordained Nov. 9, 1737. Samuel Wales, 
ordained Dec. 19, 1770. In 1776 he went into the army as chaplain. 
William Lockwood, ordained March 17, 1784, and Bezaleel Pinneo, 
the present pastor, who was ordained on the 26th of October, 1796. 
This church, for more than a century, was the only one in the town — ■ 
their present meeting house was built in 1824. 

In 1741, some persons (47 in number) being dissatisfied with Mr. 
Whittlesey's more moderate religious opinions, " declared their sober 
dissent from the established church, and professed themselves to be 
Presbyterians according to the church of Scotland." They were soon 
joined by twelve others, and the society continued gradually to increase. 
They had to encounter much violent opposition from the first church, 
and were not invested with full privileges as an ecclesiastical society 
till the session of the Legislature in May, 1760. They erected their 
meeting house in November, 1742. Their first settled minister was 
Job Prudden, a native of this town, (great grandson of Peter Prudden.) 
He was ordained at New Brunswick, in May, 1747. The succeeding 

30 



234 



MILFORD. 



ministers have been Josiah Sherman, David Tully, Sherman Johnson, 
Caleb Pitkin, Jehu Clark, and the present, Asa M. Train. The meet- 
ing house at present occupied by the society, was built during the sum- 
mer of 1834. It is seen on the right, with six pillars in front. 




Congregational Churches in Mi I ford. 

The above is a south view of the two Congregational churches in 
Mil ford ; they are but a few rods apart, separated by the Wepawaug, 
a mill stream passing through the center of the village. A small but 
beautiful mill pond is directly south of these churches, and adds very 
much to the variegated, pleasant, and interesting scenery in the imme- 
diate vicinity. The Episcopal and Baptist churches, and the town 
house, are about forty rods south of the churches seen in the engraving. 
The first cause of there being two societies in this place was owing to 
the settlement of the Rev. Mr. Whittlesey as pastor, about the year 
1740. The Rev. Samuel Andrew (who for a long period was the 
minister in this town) became through age and many infirmities unable 
to perform the labor of the ministry ; Mr. Whittlesey was invited to 
preach and settle in the place as colleague pastor ; this occasioned a 
division among the people. Although there was a majority for Mr. 
Whittlesey, yet there was a strong and respectable minority in opposi- 
tion to his settlement ; it arose on account of his adopting in some 
measure Arminian sentiments. An ecclesiastical council was held, in 
which Dr. Trumbull says he was informed " by one of the elders, who 
was one of the council, that the debate was with so much passion, that 
fists were doubled on the occasion." Alt attempts at union having 
Yailed, the disaffected part of the society withdrew and erected a house 
of worship for themselves in 1742, and placed themselves under the 
presbytery of New Brunswick. 

The Episcopal society was formed in January, 1764. The church 
was raised in 1771, and consecrated by the name of St. George's church, 
in March, 1775. They also suffered much opposition, and were con- 



M I L F O K D . 235 

sidered by many as akin to the church of Rome. But old prejudices 
have in a measure subsided, and the church at present is in a flourishing 
state. There is a small but respectable Baptist church in the town, 
which owes its origin to the Rev. James H. Linsley, of Stratford. 

In 1644, Mil ford united with the New Haven jurisdiction, which then 
consisted of New Haven, Stamford, Guilford and Southold, L. I. They 
met with some difficulty in gaining admission, on account of having " for- 
merly taken in as free burgesses, six planters who were not in church 
fellowship." but were received on condition that these six men should 
" never be chosen deputies, or into any public trust for the combination, 
nor be allowed to vote at any time in the election of magistrates, and 
that none should afterwards be admitted freemen but church members." 
The town, under this jurisdiction, had two magistrates, and sent two 
deputies to the general court at New Haven. William Fowler and 
Edmond Tapp, were the first magistrates, after the union, and John 
Astwood and John Sherman, first deputies. 

In May, 1685, the town received a patent from the general court; 
afterwards, making further purchases of the Indians, they petitioned for 
a new one, which might comprehend all their territory. Accordingly 
the governor and company granted them another, which is dated the 
22d day of May, A. D. 1713. It appears by this patent, that at that 
time there were 235 freeholders in the town. 

The Indians, at the settlement of the town, were numerous. They 
had four considerable villages, viz. one on the side of the Wepawaug 
river, near the church; one at the point; another about half a mile 
north of Washington bridge, and another at Turkey Hill. Here they 
had a strong fortress, with flankers at the four corners, which was de- 
signed as a defense against the Mohawks. 

At the settlement of the English, the Indians in the center of the 
place retired to Indian point, lying between East river and the Sound. 
Here they lived for 20 years. For security against the Indians, the 
planters enclosed the town plot with palisadoes, so thickly set that a 
man could not crowd between them. This enclosure was nearly a 
mile square, and was on both sides of the Wepawaug river. It even- 
tually proved fortunate for the English that this was done. For in the 
years 1645 and '46, the Indians were hostile and very troublesome, so 
much so that the planters, for their mutual safety, kept guard night and 
day. Each soldier stood as sentinel every fifth day, and was relieved 
at sunset by drum beat. On their " Sabbath and lecture days," they 
went armed to meeting, and when in the fields, their muskets were kept 
near at hand. 

About this time the Indians set the adjacent country on fire, and it 
was supposed they meant to burn the town ; but the planters were so 
fortunate as to arrest the progress of the flames at the swamp on the 
west and north of the settlement, before they reached the palisadoes, 
and thus saved their buildings. But the fire did much damage ; most 
of the timber was destroyed, and a number of pieces of good natural 
meadow was so burnt that they became sunken swamps. 



236 



MILFORD. 



The Indians were again troublesome in 1653, and the people were 
under the apprehension of a sudden and general massacre. They were 
greatly hindered in their farming avocations, and worn down with inces- 
sant watching. In the spring of 1700, so much danger was apprehen- 
ded from the natives, that two houses were ordered to be fortified, (one 
on the east side of the river, and one at the west end,) for the security 
of women and children, the aged and decrepid, in case of surprise. All 
persons over 16 years of age were ordered forthwith to work until the 
fortifications were completed. This was a time of general alarm, for 4 
or 5 years, throughout the country. But there is nothing on record to 
show that any English person was ever killed by the Indians in Milford. 

About 1648, there was a famous battle fought between the Milford 
Indians and the Mohawks. The latter had secreted themselves in a 
swamp, nearly a mile east of the ferry, intending to surprise the In- 
dians in the fort that night. The English accidentally discovering them, 
notified the Milford Indians, who, setting up the war whoop, soon raised 
such numbers, that they ventured to attack the invaders. The Mo- 
hawks were defeated, and several of them taken. One of their fallen 
chiefs they buried on a hillock in the swamp. A stout captive was 
stripped and tied by the Milford Indians in the great meadows, for the 
musquitoes to eat and torment to death. But he was discovered and 
relieved by one Thomas Hine. 

Many of the Wepawaug Indians eventually went off to the west and 
joined with the Six Nations, while some few remained about the town ; 
but they have now all disappeared. 

In all the wars in which the country has been engaged, Milford has furnished its 
proportion of money and soldiers. In King Philip's war, and in the two French wars, 
the town lost a good number of men, who died of sickness in the camp or fell in bat- 
tle. In the French and Indian war, companies of the British troops quartered in the 
place during the winters of 1757 and 1758 at the town's expense. The last winter, in 
a revel, they burnt the town house, upon which the government sent over £50 towards 

the erection of a new one. In a number of men from the town accompanied 

Gen. Putnam in the expedition to Cuba. 

At the commencement of the Revolution, the inhabitants were unanimously oppos- 
ed to the oppressive measures of the British ministry, and opened a subscription " for 
the relief and support of such poor inhabitants of Boston as were immediate sufferers 
by the Port Bill." 

In 177G, a battery was built at West Point, on the west side of the harbor, for the 
defense of the town ; men were stationed at Burwell's farm, and at the Point, and a 
Minute Post kept in readiness in case of emergency. The town furnished a full 
quota of men for the army, who marehed under the command of Capt. Samuel Peck. 
The select men were directed to " furnish guns, bayonets and provisions for such as 
were called forth for the defense of the Liberty of America." A premium of £10 was 
offered per head for men to enlist during the war. This town suffered comparatively 
little during the war from the incursions of the Brilish. There were no buildings 
burnt and but one house plundered, (that of Miles Merwin at Pond Point.) But 
much property was lost by burying, and by exposure to the weather in the woods. 
The inhabitants contributed liberally for the relief of Fairfield, Danbury and Nor- 
walk. There were but few tories in the town during these times, and those few were 
compelled to keep close to their houses. Of the soldiers of the revolution, there are 
but a few remaining in the town. This town has given to Connecticut two governors, 
viz. Robert Treat, and Jonathan Law, Esqs., both of whom were eminent statemen. 

Robert Treat and his brother Richard came to New England with Sir Richard 
Saltonstall, and were among the first settlers of Wethersfield. Robert left that settle- 
ment and came to Milford with Mr. Prudden. At the first meeting of the planters, 
he was chosen to assist in surveying and laying out the township. He was soon cho- 
sen one of the five Judges, and in 1661 was elected a magistrate of the colony, in 



MILFORD. 237 

which office he was continued four years, until he refused to take the oath prescribed 
by law, he being in favor of the union of the colony with Connecticut. In 1664, the 
town, by his influence, and that of Mr. Benjamin Fenn, was induced to break off from 
New Haven colony; and it was by his influence particularly, that the union was so 
soon effected. He was appointed Major of the Connecticut troops in 1070. In Phil- 
ip's war, at the attack of Springfield by the Indians in 1675, he marched to its relief, 
and drove them from the town; and in their assault upon Hadley, he put them com- 
pletely to (light. The same year, in December, he performed a distinguished part in 
the destruction of the Indians at fort Narragansett. In 1676, he was elected Deputy 
Governor, and in 1686, Governor of Connecticut, to which last office he was annually 
re-elected for fifteen years, till he declined serving. His wife was Jane, only daughter 
of Edmond Tapp, Esq. Concerning this match there is the following traditionary 
anecdote. — Being in at Mr. Tapp's, he took the girl upon his knee and commenced 
trotting her. Robert, said she, be still that, I had rather be Treated than trotted, upon 
which he proposed marriage, which was immediately consented to by all concerned. 
He died July 12th, in the 8i)th year of his age, and left four sons and four daughters. 

Gov. Law was the only son of Jonathan and Sarah Law, (the daugh- 
ter of George Clark, sen., planter,) and grandson of Richard Law, one 
of the first settlers of Stamford. He was born August 6, 1674, and 
was educated at Harvard College, where he graduated in 1695. He 
commenced the practice of law in his native town in 1698, and acqui- 
red great reputation as a counsellor. In 1706, he was made a justice 
of the peace — in 1710, a justice of the quorum — in 1714, chief judge, 
and in 1717, he was chosen an assistant, which office he filled until he 
was chosen deputy governor. In May, 1741, he was elected governor, 
and annually re-elected, till his death. He died Nov. 6th, 1750, and 
left 7 sons and a widow, his fifth wife. 

The ancestors of Governors John Cotton Smith and Gideon Tomlinson were from 
Milford, likewise Abraham Clark, of New Jersey, one of the signers of the Declara- 
tion of Independence. The early inhabitants of the town took a particular interest in 
Ihe subject of education. In 1697, it was voted " there should be thirty five pounds al- 
lowed out of the town treasury, to maintain a Latin school ; the Honorable Governor, 
and the Rev. Samuel Andrew, to be a committee to attend to the business." This Mr. 
Andrew was one of the principal projectors, and early patrons of Yale College. Mil- 
ford has sent out many colonists towards the settlement of other towns. Wean- 
tinoque was purchased of the Indians on the 8th of February, 1702-3, by the people of 
the town, and settled by the name of New Milford. Newark, in New Jersey, Dur- 
ham in Connecticut, and Talmadge in Ohio, received most of their early settlers from 
Milford. 

There are no mountains, and very little broken land, in the town. 
The soil is generally good and productive ; but the culture is not man- 
aged on the scientific principles that might be wished. There is a 
quarry of beautiful serpentine marble in the east part of the town, which 
was wrought about eighteen years since, but is now neglected. 

The harbor of the town is not deep. It has been gradually filling up 
since the first settlement, at which time there was water enough to ad- 
mit a large sea brig up to Fowler's mills. A breakwater has been pro- 
posed to be built from Indian point toward the island, by which a capa- 
cious harbor would be formed. 

Milford Island lies about three fourths of a mile from the shore, and 
contains about ten acres of land. It was called Poquahaug by the In- 
dians, and was a favorite summer resort of those people. Ansantawae, 
the sachem, had a "big wigwam" upon it, for his accommodation. 
After the settlement of the English, it was laid out to George Hubbard, 
who sold it to Richard Bryan. At a town meeting held on the 17th 
of March, 1657, Charles Deal, tobacco planter, was granted liberty to 



238 



MILFORD. 



purchase and enjoy the Island for a tobacco plantation, provided he use 
the buildings for no other use than a tobacco house, and that he do not 
trade with the Dutch or Indians, or suffer any disorderly resort of sea- 
men or others there. In 1835, it was purchased by John Harris, Esq. 
of New York, who erected a seat, and fitted it up for a summer resi- 
dence. Between the Island and shore there is a bar, which is bare half 
the time. Good clams grow on this bar. 

Poconock or Milford point, at the southwest extremity of the town, 
is somewhat noted. There are a number of huts on the beach, which 
are occupied by persons engaged in the clam and oyster business. 
This point was formed and is preserved by the opposite action of the 
waters of Long Island sound, and of the Housatonic river. 




Oyster Huts on Milford Point. 

The above shows the appearance of the oyster huts on Milford point. 
There is a street containing about 15 or 20 huts of this description, cov- 
ered with sea weed, &lc. which are quite novel in their appearance. 
About 50 or 60 persons, engaged in the oyster business, reside in these 
habitations during the winter months, and four or five have their fami- 
lies with them. 

The rivers in this town are small. The Wepawaug, the largest, 
takes its rise in Woodbridge, 15 miles from its mouth, and runs through 
the center of the town. It furnishes a number of good mill seats. 
The others are the Indian river, Beaver river, the West End brook, 
and Stubby Plain brook, a branch of the Indian river. 

Milford is now on the rise. There are many improvements making 
in this place, and others in contemplation. The number of inhabitants 
in the town, when the last census was taken, was 2,256, and has prob- 
ably since increased to 2,800. There are at present in the town 400 
houses, 480 freeholders, and 500 electors.* 

* For the preceding account of Milford, the author is indebted almost entirely to 
Mr. Edward R. Lambert, of that place. Mr. Lambert contemplates publishing a full 
and complete history of the town of Milford, from the first settlement to the present 
time. He has already made a considerable number of valuable and interesting col- 
lections in reference to this object. 



MILFORD. 239 

[From the Connecticut Journal, No. 482.] Milford, Jan. 8, 1777. 

Last Wednesday a flag of truce vessel arrived at Milford, from New York, after a 
tedious passage of several days, having on board upwards of 200 American prisoners, 
whose rueful countenances too well discover the ill treatment they received while 
prisoners in New York; twenty of these unfortunate people died on the passage, and 
twenty have died since they landed at Milford. 

The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the grave 

yard near the center of the place. 

Here lyeth interred the body op Col. Robert Treat, Esq.. who faithfully 
served this colony in the post of governor, near ye space of thirty years, 
and att ye age of four score and eight years, exchanged this life for a better, 
ivly 12th, Anno Domino 1710. 



Here lies ye body of ye Rev. and learned Mr. Samuel Andrew, Pastor of ye Church 
of Christ in this place for above 50 years. Formerly Fellow of Harvard College, and 
more lately Rector of Yale College, — a singular ornament and blessing in every capa- 
city and relation, — of unwearied labors, modest, courteous, and beneficent, — never 
fond of this world, earnestly pursuing and recommending a better, — greatly esteemed 
in life, and lamented at death, which was January 24, 1737 — 8, lacking five days to 
complete 82 years of life. 

Memoria? Sacrum Reverendi Samuelis Whittlesey, V. D. M. Collegii Yalensis, et 
Harvardini Honoribus exornati, cujus virtutes, Pietas, et Res gestae proprio splendore 
ubiq: enitescunt; cujus labor perennis, fidusq: de sacris per Annos triginta et supra 
inter incolas Milfordienses, Honorem jure vendicat. Denique ab omnibus terrendis 
Amicis, officiis, ac honoribus morte abreptus est, Anno iEtatis 56to, die Octobris 22to. 
et Anno Domini mdcclxviii. 

Which may be translated in the following manner: 

Sacred to the memory of the Reverend Samuel Whittlesey, Master of Arts at Yale 
and at Harvard ; whose virtues, piety and good deeds every where shone with pecu- 
liar lustre, and whose unceasing and faithful labors in sacred things, for more than 
thirty years among the inhabitants of Milford, justly entitle him to honor. He was at 
length removed by death from all earthly friends, duties and honors, on the 22d Octo- 
ber, 1768, in the 56th year of his age. 



Here lies the body of Capt. Benjamin Fenn, for many years a ruling elder of the 
second church in this town, who departed this life January 10th, Anno Domini 1770, 
aged 80 years. 



The truly honorable and pious Roger Newton, Esq. an officer of distinguished note 
in ye expeditions of 1709 and 1710, for many years one of ye Council, and Colonel of 
the Second Regiment of Militia — Judge of the Court of Common Pleas 33 years, until 
he departed this life, January 15th, 1771, in the 87th year of his age. 
His mind returned to God, intombed here lies 
The part the Hero left beneath the skies, 
Newton as steel, inflexible from right, 
In Faith, in Law, in Equity, in Fight. 

The following is copied from an epitaph, in memory of a young 

woman who died in 1792, aged 24. The impression which her friends 

meant to convey was doubtless correct, but the words made use of, 

when applied to a human being, are rather unrefined, according to the 

taste of the present age. 

Molly, tho' pleasant in her day, 
Was sudd'nly seiz'd and sent away. 
How soon she : s ripe, how soon she's rotten, 
Laid in the grave and soon forgott'n. 

In memory of Doctr. John Herpin, who was born and educated at Rochefort in 
France, practised physic and Surgery in this place 50 years with much reputation and 
success, and died Nov. 14th, 1765, Ml. 74. 



240 NORTH BRANFORD. NORTH HAVEN, 



NORTH BRANFORD, 

Was incorporated as a town in 1831. It was formed from (he so- 
cieties of North Branford and Northford, in the town of Branford. It 
is bounded north by Wallingford, east by Guilford, south by Branford, 
and west by East Haven and North Haven. It is about five miles long 
from north to south, and averages upwards of four miles in width. A 
range of mountains from southwest to northeast passes through the cen- 
tral part of the town. The inhabitants are generally substantial farm- 
ers, and property is very equally distributed. The face of the town- 
ship is generally hilly, but the soil is strong and fertile. There are, it 
is believed, about 1000 or 1100 inhabitants. There are five houses of 
worship in this town, three for Congregationalists, and two for Epis- 
copalians. 

The society of North Branford, the southern division of the town, 
was formerly called the village. The central part is five miles north 
of Branford church, and nine from New Haven. The Rev. Jonathan 
Merrick, the first minister in this parish, was ordained in 1727. 

Northford society takes in a small part of Wallingford. The Indian 
name of the place appears to have been Paug. The Congregational 
church is nine miles from New Haven. The post office is kept about a 
mile north, and may be considered as the center. The first clergyman 
was the Rev. Warham Williams, a grandson of the Rev. Mr. Williams 
of Deerfield, Massachusetts, who was carried captive by the Indians 
into Canada. The church here was called the third church in Bran- 
ford. The first house of worship erected in this society is still standing, 
as is likewise the house of the first clergyman, (Mr. Williams,) which 
is now occupied by the Rev. Mr. Noyes, for a long period the minister 
of this parish, and who is considered to be one of the wealthiest cler- 
gyman in the state. It is believed that Northford, according to its 
population, has furnished more young men who have received a liberal 
education than any other town in the state. 

About a mile southeast of the Northford church, on Tetoket moun- 
tain, there is the appearance of having been, at some remote period, 
some violent convulsion in nature ; the rocks appear to have been rent 
asunder, and are thrown about in great disorder. Lead is said to have 
been found near this spot, a mass of it being discovered by a person 
who was hunting, at the time of the first settlement of the parish : he 
hung up a pair of buck's horns to designate the spot, but the place 
could not be found afterwards. 



NORTH HAVEN 



North Haven was incorporated as a town in October, 1786, being 
originally a part of the town of New Haven. It is bounded n. by 
Wallingford, w. by Hamden, e. by Wallingford and North Branford, 
and s. by East Haven. Its length from north to south is about six 



NORTH HAVEN. 24 1 

miles, and its medium breadth three. The town lies on both sides of 
the Wallingford or Quinnipiac river, and comprises the valley, and a 
part of the bordering hills. The valley is partly rich interval land, 
and more extensively sand ; covered with a thin stratum of loam ; light 
but warm. Near the northern line of the town it is so light as, in two 
or three places of small extent, to be blown into drifts. The soil of 
the hills is good, being a reddish loam. 

From the vicinity of this town to New Haven, and from its light and 
warm soil, which is favorable for early vegetation, there are various 
culinary vegetables, particularly peas, cultivated for the New Haven 
market. But the most striking feature in the township, is the large 
and beautiful tract of salt meadows on both sides of the Quinnipiac. 
These meadows produce large quantities of grass, which is mowed and 
stacked upon the land, from whence, when the ground is frozen suffi- 
ciently solid in the winter, it is removed. Upon the salt marsh the hay 
is salt ; but on those meadows which are protected from the salt water 
by means of dikes, the grass is fresh and of a better quality. These 
are called dike marshes or meadows. The making of brick receives 
considerable attention in this town. Four and a half millions of brick 
are manufactured annually, and principally sold in New Haven. 

The first settler in North Haven appears to have been William Brad- 
ley, who had been an officer in Cromwell's army. He lived here soon 
after the year 1650, on the land belonging to Gov. Eaton, who owned 
a large tract on the west side'of the river. The next settlers were 
Thomas and Nathaniel Yale, who came here about the year 1660. 
The settlement of Wallingford, or New Haven village, about the year 
1670, encouraged the settlement of North Haven. Jonathan Tuttle 
began a settlement near the river ; Nathaniel Thorpe, Ebenezer Blaks- 
lee and John Humiston soon after settled on the eastern bank of the 
river, near the center of the town. Daniel and Thomas Barnes, Thom- 
as Jacobs, and Moses Brockett, made settlements near the river, on the 
east side of it, about a mile north of the south line of the town.. After 
this there came into the place families by the names of Clarke, Todd, 
Ives, Bishop, Cooper, Grannis, and Brockett. The settlement was 
very slow, and it seems that for nearly forty years some of the first 
planters attended public worship and buried their dead at New Haven. 
The women usually went on foot to New Haven, on the Lord's day, 
attended two long exercises, and returned. In some instances they did 
this with a child in their arms. — The Indians, (says Dr. Trumbull,) 
were sometimes very numerous in this place, and gave much alarm to 
the inhabitants, especially to the women and children. The Indians 
at Mattabeseck (Middletown) were connected with the Indians in this 
part of the state, and the extent of the river into the southern part of 
Farmington, and the fine fishing and fowling upon it, formed a connex- 
ion with the Farmington Indians. The combination of these circum- 
stances sometimes filled the parish with Indians. At particular times 
they seemed to swarm upon the river, and the groves and swamps ap- 
peared alive with them. Once after the settlement commenced, they 
made a grand powwow, on the road between the corner of the market 

31 



242 



N O R T 11 II A v 1: IS 



place and Mr. John Huroiston's ; people were in great fear that their 
fields of corn would be ruined by them, but by the influence of the 
chief sachem, they were restrained from doing any damage. 




North Haven, (antral part.) 

North Haven was made a parish in 1716, and the next year the 
General Assembly gave the inhabitants liberty to form into a church ; 
the same year the Rev. James Wetmore was ordained their minister. 
At this time the limits of the parish extended considerably north and 
west of the meeting house in Mount Carmel parish in Hamden, and 
contained about forty families. " Mr. Wetmore w r as greatly beloved 
and esteemed by his people ; but after he had labored with them for 
nearly four years, he altered his sentiments, and in September, 1722, 
declared for Episcopacy. The consequence was a dismission, soon af- 
ter, from his pastoral relation. He went to England, and took orders in 

1723. He was rector of the church at Rye, where he died in 1660. 
He was educated at the collegiate school at Saybrook, where he re- 
ceived the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in September, 1714. The Rev. 
Isaac Stiles succeeded Mr. Wetmore. He was ordained in November, 

1724, and died May 14th, 1760, on the same day and nearly the same 
hour in which his predecessor, Mr. Wetmore, died. Mr. Stiles was 
succeeded, in 1760, by Dr. Trumbull, the historian of Connecticut. 
The Episcopalians in this place erected their first church in 1760. 
From 1762, till about the year 1783, they were under the pastoral care 
of the Rev. Mr. Andrews of Wallingford."* 

The above is a representation of the central part of North Haven; 
the Episcopal church with a Gothic tower is seen on the left. The 
first house south, seen in the center of the engraving, is the house 
where Dr. Trumbull, the historian of Connecticut, resided for more 
than half a century. The building on the extreme right is the Con- 



* Dr. Trumbull'? Centennial Sermon. 



NORTH HAVEN 



243 



gregational church, erected in 1739, and finished in 1741. The first 
meeting house in the town, thirty eight feet by forty, was erected on 
the same spot, about 1718. The Rev. James Pierpont gave the plat of 
ground on which it stood, upon condition that the people would erect 
a house of worship upon it. The drawing of the engraving was made 
a short time previous to the taking down of the Congregational church. 
The steeple however was removed before the drawing was taken. 




Congregational Church, North Haven. 

A handsome Congregational church now stands a few rods westward 
of the old meeting house. This church, and likewise that of the Epis- 
copal denomination, was erected in 1835; both are built of brick, of 
which considerable quantities are made in the town. The burying 
ground is seen in front of the Episcopal church. Dr. Trumbull was 
buried in this yard, nearly in front of his house. The following is the 
inscription on his monument. 

Here rest the remains of the Rev. Benjamin Trumbull, D. D. who was born at 
Hebron, Connecticut, A. D. 17:!o, and died February 2d, A. D. 18-20, aged 85. He 
was graduated at Yale College, A. D. 1757, and ordained pastor in North Haven, 
A. D. 1760, in which relation he 'ill his death; a period of almost sixty 

years. He composed during his ministry nearly four thousand sermons, and publish- 
ed essays on the Inspiration oi the Sci iptun s, a II istory of « ionnecticutj a History of 
the United States, and other works, for which he was honored by his Alma Mater, 
and esteemed by his countrymen as an aide Divine and an accurate Historian. Firm, 

humble, and devout, be susti ! with dignity all his relations in life, and died a firm 

and joyful believer in his God and Saviour; anticipating with expressions of praise, 
the coming of the Lord. 



Ezra Stiles, D. D. was a native of this town. He was the son of 
the Rev. Isaac Stiles, and was born November 29th, 1727. He was 
graduated at the seminary over which he was destined to preside, in 
1746, and in 1749 was chosen tutor, in which station he remained six 
years. After having preached occasionally, his impaired health, and 
some doubt respecting the truth of Christianity, induced him to pursue 
the study of the law. In 1753, he took the attorney's oath at New 



244 NORTH HAVEN. 

Haven, and practiced at the bar till 1755. But having resumed preach- 
ing, on the 22d of October in this latter year he was ordained minister 
of the second Congregational church in Newport, Rhode Island. In 
March, 1776, the events of the war dispersed his congregation, and in- 
duced him to remove to Dighton. He afterwards preached for some 
time at Portsmouth. In 1777, he was chosen president of Yale Col- 
lege, as successor to Mr. Clap. He was not desirous of this honor, 
for he loved retirement ; but he was persuaded to accept it. He was 
installed July 8, 1778, and he continued in this station till his death, 
May 12, 1795, in the sixty eighth year of his age. 

Dr. Stiles was one of ihe most learned men, of whom this country can boast. He 
had a thorough knowledge of the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages, the former 
of which he learned when he was about forty years of age; he had made considerable 
progress in the Samaritan, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic ; on the Persic and Coptic he 
had bestowed some attention ; and the French he read with great facility. He was 
also well versed in most branches of mathematical knowledge. Next to sacred litera- 
ture, astronomy was his favorite science. He had read the works of divines in various 
languages, and very few have had so thorough an acquaintance with the fathers of 
the Christian church. He possessed an intimate acquaintance with the Rabbinical 
writings. He was a most impressive and eloquent preacher, for he spoke with that zeal 
and energy which the deepest interest in the most impoitant subjects cannot fail to in- 
spire. His earlydiscourses were philosophical and moral ; but he gradually became a 
serious and powerful preacher of the momentous truths of the gospel. In the room of 
labored disquisitions addressed rather to reason than to the conscience and heart, he 
employed his time in preaching repentance and faith, the great truths respecting our 
disease and cure, the physician of souls and our remedy in him, the manner in which 
the sinner is brought home to God in regeneration, justification, sanctification, ami 
eternal glory, the terrors and blessings of the world to come, the influence of the Holy 
Spirit and the efficacy of the truth in the great change of the character, preparatory 
for Heaven. The doctrines of the trinity in unity, of the divinity and atonement of 
Christ, with the capital principles of the great theological system of the doctrines of 
grace, he believed to have been the uninterrupted faith of eight tenths of Christendom 
from the ascension of Jesus Christ to the present day. This system, he observed to 
his flock, I have received from God in the scriptures of truth, and on the review of my 
ministry I hope you will find, that I have preached the unsearchable riches of Christ. 
He delighted in preaching the gospel to the poor. Among the members of his church 
at Newport were seven negroes. These occasionally met in his study, when he in- 
structed them, and falling on their knees together he implored for them and for him- 
self the blessing of that God, with whom all distinction excepting that of Christian 
excellence is as nothing. In the cause of civil and religious liberty, Dr. Stiles was 
an enthusiast. He contended, that the right of conscience and private judgment was 
unalienable ; and that no exigencies of the Christian church could render it lawful 
to erect any body of men into a standing judicatory over the churches. He engaged 
with zeal in the cause of his country. He thought, that the thirtieth of January, 
which was observed by the Episcopalians in commemoration of the martrydom of 
Charles I, " ought to be celebrated as an anniversary thanksgiving, that one nation on 
earth had so much fortitude and public justice, as to make a royal tyrant bow to the 
sovereignty of the people." He was catholic in his sentiments, for his heart was open 
to receive all who loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity. He was conspicuous for his be- 
nevolence, as well as for his learning and piety. 

" The following extracts from his diary furnish evidence of his Christian good- 
ness. ' The review of my life astonishes ine with a sense of my sins. May I be washed 
in the blood of Jesus, which cleanselh from all sin. Purify and sanctify me, O blessed 
Spirit ! — I hope I love my Saviour for his divine excellencies, as well as for his love 
to sinners ; 1 glory in his divine righteousness ; and earnestly beseech the God of all 
grace to endue me with true and real holiness, and to make me like himself. I 
have earnestly importuned the youth of this 'university to devote themselves to that 
divine Jesus, who hath loved them to the death. And praised be God. I have reason 
to hope that the blessed spirit hath wrought effectually on the hearts of sundry, who 
have, I think, been brought home to God, and experienced what flesh and blood can- 
not impart to the human mind. Whether 1 shall ever get to heaven, and through 
many tribulations enter into rest, God only knows. This I know, that I am one of the 
most unworthy of all the works of God.' Though in the first stage of his last sickness 



ORANGE. 245 

he expressed awful apprehension of standing at the divine tribunal ; yet his hopes of 
heaven brightened as he approached the grave, and he departed in great calmness 
and peace. 

" He was a man of low stature, and of a small though well proportioned form. His 
voice was clear and energetic. His countenance, especially in conversation, was ex- 
pressive of benignity and mildness; but if occasion required, it became the index of 
majesty and authority. He published a funeral oration in Latin on Governor Law, 
1751 ; a discourse on the Christian union, preached before the Congregational minis- 
ters of Rhode Island, 1760; in this work he recommends harmony among differing 
Christians, and shows an intimate acquaintance with the ecclesiastical affairs of this 
country; a sermon at the installation of reverend Samuel Hopkins, 1770; a Latin 
oration on his induction into his office of president, 1778; the United States ele- 
vated to glory and honor, an election sermon, preached May 8, 1783, which exhi- 
bits the eloquence, and patriotism, and glowing sentiments of liberty, with which 
the august occasion could not fail to inspire him ; a sermon at the ordination of the 
reverend Henry Channing, at New London, 1787; history of the three judges of King 
Charles I, Whalley, Goffe, and Dixwell, 12mo. 1795; in this work he discloses very 
fully his sentiments on civil liberty, and predicts " a republican renovation," in Eng- 
land. He left an unfinished ecclesiastical history of New England, and more than 
forty volumes of manuscripts. An interesting account of his life was published by 
his son-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Holmes, in 1708.'* 



The following is copied from the monument of Mr. Stiles, the father 
of President Stiles, in the grave yard in the center of the place. 

This monument is erected to the memory of the Rev. Isaac Stiles, A. M., who 
was born in Windsor, July 30th, 1G97, received a liberal education at Yale College; 
ordained to the pastoral office in the church of North Haven, November 11th, 1724, 
where he served in the ministry 3G years, and died May 11th, 17G0, aged 63. Having 
a mind ennobled with sublime and venerable conceptions of the glories of the Most 
High, and the perfect order and happiness of the universe ; illuminated with Divine 
views of the economy of that part of it under the mediatorial dominion of Jesus 
Christ. Also being intimately acquainted with the sacred oracles, and having a 
natural gift at Elocution, he preached the gospel with fervor and fidelity. 

A friend to pure and undefrled religion, with a charitable benevolence to all man- 
kind. Mors Mihi vita Est. 



ORANGE. 



This town lies between New Haven and Mil ford, being bounded on 
the north by Derby and Woodbridge, on the east by New Haven, on 
the south by Long Island sound, and on the west by Milford. It is 
about 6 miles in length, and about 3-J miles in breadth. The face of 
the township is hilly, and the soil productive. The inhabitants are 
generally farmers. It was incorporated by the General Assembly 
holden at New Haven in May, 1822, and was formed by the union of 
North Milford, a parish which belonged to Milford, with West Haven, 
a parish from New Haven. The first town meeting was held at the 
meeting house in the parish of North Milford, on the second Monday 
in June, of which meeting Charles H. Pond, Esq. of Milford, was pre- 
viously appointed moderator by the Legislature. At this meeting Ben- 
jamin L. Lambert, Esq. was appointed town clerk. 

The committee appointed by the two parishes to obtain the act of 
incorporation for a town, after having a variety of names under consid- 
eration, finally adopted that of Orange, in commemoration of the bene- 
fits received from William, Prince of Orange, by Connecticut, when a 

* Allen's Biographical Dictionary. 



246 



ORANGE 



colony ; particularly in the restoration of their charter privileges, after 
the tyranny and usurpation of Sir Edmund Andross. 

The central part of West Haven is three and a half miles from the 
court house in New Haven. The first clergyman in this parish was the 
Rev. Dr. Samuel Johnson, who was ordained in 1720. " In October, 
1722, he professed himself an Episcopalian, and left his people. He 
was missionary at Stratford many years ; afterwards president of New 
York College." " The Rev. Jonathan Arnold was the second minis- 
ter at West Haven, ordained 1725 or 1726. About the year 1734, he 
declared for Episcopacy. Having officiated as missionary at Derby 
and West Haven three or four years, he removed to Staten Island. 
The Rev. Timothy Allen, the third minister of West Haven, was or- 
dained 1738, and dismissed 1742."* The Rev. Nathan Birdseye, the 
next pastor, was ordained in 1742 : he was succeeded by the Rev. 
Noah Williston, the fifth pastor, who was ordained in 1760. The 
Connecticut Missionary Society, an institution which has been of great 
and lasting advantage in a religious and moral point of view, had its ori- 
gin in this society. A lady of this parish, (Miss Kimberly,) having 
had four or five dollars presented to her by her brothers, who were 
seamen, gave it into the hands of her pastor, the Rev. Mr. Williston 
mentioned above, with a request that he would apply it for the purpose 
of supplying those that were destitute, with the preached gospel. Mr. 
Williston soon after attending the General Association, mentioned the 
gift and the object to his brethren, who, taking the subject into consid- 
eration, formed the society above mentioned. 

West Haven green, the spot on which the Congregational and Epis- 
copal churches are situated, is said formerly to have been marshy 
ground, and covered with alder bushes. It is now uncommonly plea- 
sant in its appearance ; and, although the churches are rather antiquated 
in their appearance, there is an air of neatness and retirement about 
this spot that is seldom equalled. About a mile south of the green 
is Savin Rock, a place of some resort during the warm season of the 
year. It was at this place the British forces landed when they invaded 
New Haven in July, 1779. Adjutant Campbell was killed about one 
mile and a half north of the churches ; (see page 169.) A white hand- 
kerchief, marked with his name, was long preserved as a relic of this 
officer, and it is believed to be still in existence. He was possessed of 
an uncommonly fine personal appearance, and his death was much re- 
gretted by the enemy ; but in the hurry and confusion of war, he was 
left behind, and his bloody remains were born to the grave on a sheep 
rack. Some of our people who were killed, were buried in the vicinity. 
Their bodies, however, were taken up by their friends, and re-interred 
in the places where they belonged. 

The land of North Mil ford part of the town was surveyed and laid 
out in 1687, but was not settled till forty years afterwards. One 
Richard Bryan was the first who settled in that part of the town, and 
for many years it was called Bryan's Farm. At a town meeting in 

* Dr. Dana's Century Sermon. 



OXFORD. 247 

Milford, held on the 10th of December, 1750, it was " voted that 
money should be appropriated to the inhabitants of Bryan's farm, for 
the purpose of setting up a school in winter, it being so well settled that 
one is deemed necessary." 

The inhabitants of North Milford attended meeting in Milford until 
1805. They were incorporated as a society by the General Assembly, 
at their session in October, 1804. The number of petitioners for this 
incorporation was fifty. Their first regular society meeting was held 
December 3, 1804. The church was organized on Wednesday, March 
13, 1S05, and was begun by five persons dismissed from the churches 
in Milford. Their first pastor, Erastus Scranton, A. M., a native of 
Madison, was ordained July 4th, 1805. He preached with them for 
about twenty five years, when he asked dismission, and removed to 
Burlington. While he continued with them, the society greatly pros- 
pered. The inhabitants of this parish, fourteen years before this, 
erected a meeting house, thirty six feet by thirty, on the green, where 
they had preaching in the winter season, by the alternate labors of the 
ministers of Milford. The present meeting house of this society was 
raised June 27th, 1810, and dedicated April 17, 1811. 

There is a silver mine in this parish, on land owned by John Lam- 
bert, Esq., lying on the old country road. It was opened about twenty 
years ago, by Mr. David Lambert, the father of the present owner, 
who obtained a considerable quantity of ore, but having a large farm 
which required his attention, he did not long continue to work it. A 
valuable copper mine has lately been opened in the same range of 
rocks, by the New York Mining Company. It is said there are indi- 
cations of coal in the north part of the town. Asbestos is abundant in 
the serpentine rocks, which abound in the southern section of the 
township. 



OXFORD. 



Oxford was incorporated as a town in October, 1798, previously 
to which time, it belonged to the town of Derby. The Rev. Jonathan 
Lyman appears to have been the first clergyman in the place. He was 
ordained in October, 1745. It is fourteen miles northwest from New 
Haven, and forty southwest from Hartford ; bounded north by Middle- 
bury and Waterbury, on the southwest by the Housatonic, separating 
it from Newtown, on the west by Southbury, on the east by Bethany, 
and on the south by Derby. Its length from northeast to southwest is 
about eight miles, and its breadth nearly five. The surface of the 
township is uneven, being diversified with hills and valleys. The pre- 
vailing soil is a gravelly loam ; the eastern and western parts of the town 
are generally fertile and productive. The central part, through which 
the main road passes, is considered to be the poorest land in the town. 
There are in the town three satinet factories, and an extensive hat 
manufactory, owned by Messrs. Hunt h Crosby. A number of ex- 
tensive manufacturing establishments are about being erected on the 
Naujratuc. 



248 



OXFORD. 




Oxford, {central part.) 

Tb.e above engraving is a southeastern view of the central part of 
Oxford. The building with a Gothic tower is the Episcopal church ; 
part of the Congregational church is seen on the extreme right. The 
elevation seen in the back-ground is called " Governor's hill," so 
named, it is said, from its being principally owned, many years since, 
by a Mr. Bunnell, who was considered by his neighbors as a lordly 
kind of a personage, and had considerable to do with the law, being 
engaged in many law-suits for the support of his real or imaginary 
rights. From the important and consequential airs he assumed among 
his neighbors, he probably received the designation of " Governor." 

Quaker Farms is a pleasant part of Oxford. It contains an Episco- 
pal church, which is about two miles from the center of the town. 
About one mile and a half south from the center is the " Park, 1 ' former- 
ly a place for deer. About eighty or ninety years since, a Mr. Wooster 
owned and enclosed about one hundred acres of land for the purpose 
of keeping deer. It is said that he had the exclusive privilege by law 
of restraining any person from hunting deer in the limits of " the Park." 
Upon the outside of part of the enclosure there was a kind of pre- 
cipice, from which the deer when pursued would sometimes leap into 
the enclosure, much to the mortification and disappointment of unpri- 
vileged hunters. 

About one mile south of the central part of the town is a remarkable 
mineral spring ; called " the Pool," from the circumstance of its waters 
being efficacious, and much used for the cure of the salt rheum and 
other complaints. " Once in a month a yellowish scum will collect 
upon the surface of the water, which in a few days will run off, and 
leave the pool perfectly clear. In the coldest weather this spring never 
freezes; in the dryest season it is as full as at other times." 



PROSPECT. 249 



PROSPECT. 

Prospect was incorporated as a town in 1S27. It was formerly 
the parish of Columbia, and was formed from the towns of Cheshire 
and Waterbury. It is^bounded north by Waterbury and Cheshire, east 
by Cheshire, south by Bethany, and west by Waterbury. It averages 
about five miles in length, and four in breadth. The central part is 
about seventeen miles from New Haven, and about four west of Chesh- 
ire. The township is elevated and commands an extensive prospect, 
from which circumstance its name is derived. The surface of the 
town is hilly, mountainous, and stony. The inhabitants are principally 
farmers. There are two houses of worship, one Congregational and 
one Methodist. 

Some three or four years since, the Congregational clergyman and 
some of the most influential members of the church and society adopted 
the sentiments of the Perfectionists, which caused some excitement in 
this and some of the neighboring towns. In New Haven county this 
doctrine appears to have originated with a student belonging to the the- 
ological class in Yale College ; several of his associates in the institu- 
tion also embraced the same sentiments, and from them it spread to 
some extent in several towns in Connecticut. A large proportion, how- 
ever, of those who embraced the doctrines of the Perfectionists, have 
since altered their opinions, and have returned to their former belief. 
The following is believed to be a correct summary of the doctrines and 
opinions held by the Perfectionists. 

They divide mankind into three classes ; first, those who are entirely 
without a preparation of heart for the new birth, i. e. the unconverted ; 
second, those who are in a state of preparation, i. e. the converted ; 
and third, those who have experienced the new birth, who are the only 
true children of God. For they say that " conversion is merely re- 
pentance towards God, — a mere change of the mind of the man." 
The new birth is a change in his moral nature — it gives him the nature 
of God ; mere conversion gives no security of salvation from either sin 
or hell ; but the new birth saves from both. " For he that is born 
of God doth not commit sin, for his seed [the divine nature] remaineth 
in him and he cannot sin." This is the foundation on which they build. 

They believe that none are Christians, " who are not entirely freed 
from sin, and who do not possess the faith, righteousness, liberty and 
glory of the risen Son of God. They believe that they are infallible, 
being under the peculiar guidance of the Spirit, and give themselves up 
to be guided by him in the way of all truth, having, as they say, 
the will of the Lord made known to them by an immediate revela- 
tion. They set aside all ordinances and holy days, such as baptism, 
the sacrament, with the Lord's prayer, and the observance of the Sab- 
bath, he. ; saying that they are but the mere traditions of men, being 
no better than the forms and ceremonies of the Popish church. Besides, 
they contend that all days are holy to them, " having entered a Sab- 
bath of eternal rest." They believe they are as secure in their state 

32 



250 SOUTH BURY. 

of perfection as the angels of God, and that a man once having his 
feet firmly fixed upon this foundation is eternally secure, and may not 
give himself any more anxiety about his future destiny. They also 
believe that " the history which the Bible contains of the church after 
Christ's ascension, commonly called the primitive church, is a history of 
the latter-day glory of Judaism, and not the commencement of Chris- 
tianity, and that Christianity or the kingdom of heaven did not com- 
mence until after the destruction of Jerusalem ;" and that was the pe- 
riod of Christ's second coming; and the resurrection, (the only one,) 
of the spiritual man from the power of sin and death, to endless glory 
and bliss. Therefore they say that the day of judgment is gone by in 
one sense, and in another is now going on and will be completed at tho 
end of time. In the first view of the day of judgment as already 
passed, they say that this day, when spoken of in scripture, refers to the 
destruction of Jerusalem. In the second view of the subject, they 
contend that this day commences with the life of man, and ends with 
that life ; that immediately after death, the soul receives its final sen- 
tence from the judge, and is never to be again summoned to appear be- 
fore his bar. 

" The salvation given to all men in Jesus Christ," say they, " inclu- 
ded nothing less than a perfect and eternal salvation from sin ; a perfect 
redemption from the law; a perfect resurrection of the spiritual body; 
and the standing on the plain of eternity, beyond judgment." They be- 
lieve that the disciples of Christ, during his ministry in the flesh, were 
not Christians. " They call no man master, teacher, or chief, and will 
not be taught of each other, as they are all taught of God." They 
do not all hold to the same views. In the words of one of their num- 
ber, " they differ among themselves on almost all points, except the 
great distinguishing one, viz. perfection in holiness, — and these dif- 
ferences they believe generally arise from the fact, that some are in 
advance of others in their Father's kingdom. 



SOUTHBURY. 



Southbury was formerly a part of the town of Woodbury, and was 
settled about the year 1672. It was incorporated as a distinct town 
in 1786, and at that period belonged to the county of Litchfield. It is 
bounded n. by Woodbury and Roxbury, s. w. by the Housatonic 
river, separating it from Newtown, e. by Middlebury, and s. e. by- 
Oxford. Its average length from east to west is eight miles, and its 
average breadth about four. The prevailing soil is a sandy loam, gen- 
erally warm and fertile. The Pomperaug, a considerable mill stream, 
passes through the center of the town, and it is on the eastern side of 
this stream, that the principal village is situated : there is a fine tract of 
level land on its banks, though of small extent, as the ground rises at a 
short distance on both sides of the river : on the west side, nearly op- 
posite the Congregational church, some traces of coal have been dis- 



SOUTHBURY 



251 



covered. A shaft was sunk a few years since, to the depth of about 
100 feet : some veins of coal were found, but in such small quantities 
that it was deemed inexpedient to continue the search. 




Mitchell's Mansion House, Southbury. 



The above engraving is a south view of the Mansion House of M. 
S. Mitchell, Esq. recently erected, and designed as a house of public 
entertainment. It is about three quarters of a mile north of the Con- 
gregational church. For beauty of situation and superior accommoda- 
tions, it is not exceeded by any establishment of the kind in any country 
village in the State. This edifice stands on the spot where the house 
of the first minister of the place, Mr. Graham, formerly stood. The 
first meeting house ever built in the town was situated about 40 or 50 
rods south. The central part of the village is 20 miles n. w. from 
New Haven, and 40 s. w. from Hartford. 

The village of South Britain, a parish in this town, is situated about 
four miles southwest from the central part of the main village of South- 
bury. It is nearly surrounded by high hills and ledges, and the place 
viewed from the south has a romantic appearance. It is a thriving set- 
tlement, containing upwards of 20 dwelling houses, 2 churches, (1 Con- 
gregational and 1 Methodist,) 3 mercantile stores, 1 carpet manufactory 
and two or three hat manufactories. Some traces of coal have been 
found, near the foot of a ledge, in the immediate vicinity of the village. 

The northern part of Southbury is called White Oak. This name 
was derived from an oak tree which formerly stood about half a mile 
west from the Congregational church, under which the first persons 
who explored the town encamped. There are two pieces of this tree 
remaining, one of which is in possession of Mr. Mitchell, the proprietor 
of the Mansion House in the village. These pieces were taken from 
the tree by Shadrach Osborn, Esq. an aged and respectable inhabitant of 
the town, on which is written by his hand the following : 



252 WALLINGFORD. 

" This is a piece of the ancient white oak tree, taken from the trunk 
after it fell down, Aug. 19th, 1808, by Shadrach Osborn. 

" The sturdy Oak, the boast of every clime, 
Must bow to the relentless hand of time." 

" The tree of which this is a part, stood about 80 rods east of the 
river, by the old field road, in a corner of the Mitchell land. The set- 
tlers of the ancient town of Woodbury encamped under it when they 
first explored the town. It gave the name of White Oak to the north- 
ern part of Southbury, and remained in a state of vegetation for a num- 
ber of years after the limbs were broken off, and the body was in part 
decayed, and fell down in the year 1808. This piece was taken from 
the trunk Aug. 19th, the same year, by me. 

Shadrach Osborn." 

After the destruction of the continental stores at Danbury during the 
Revolution, and while Mr. Osborn, mentioned above, was commissary, 
Southbury was made a place of deposit. Six or seven hundred barrels 
of pork were stored away in a place called Fox Hollow, and 50 men 
under the command of Gapt. Parsons, of Derby, were appointed to 
guard it. A large group of chestnut trees have grown up since on the 
spot, which is about one mile southeast from the Congregational church. 
About a mile southwest, one or two hundred barrels of beef were stored, 
near the river. 

The first settlers located themselves back of the ancient burying 
ground, near the brook. The names of some of the first were Judson ; 
Hinman, Curtis, Minor, Johnson and Strong. John Minor, it is said, 
was from Massachusetts, and acted as an interpreter with the Indians in 
the vicinity. In 1727, a great sickness prevailed here, and swept off 
almost all the old people : it is said to have been a kind of fever, and 
very fatal. 

The following inscriptions are on monuments in the old burying 

ground. 

In trust at best, — here lies the Revd- Mr. John Graham, who departed this life De- 
cember the 11th, A. D. 1774, in the 81st year of his age and 54th year of his ministiy. 



Andrew Graham, M. D. and a descendant of the Duke of Montrose, departed this 
for another and a better world, in June, 1785, aged 57 years. Out of respect to the 
memory of an honest man, this marble is placed by his son, John A. Graham, LL. D. 

New'York, 1805. Nc Oublie. 



WALLINGFORD. 

Wallingford originally belonged to New Haven, and before it was 
incorporated as a town was called New Haven village. The purchase 
of the town was made by Governor Eaton, Mr. Davenport, and other 
planters of New Haven, in December, 1638. " The settlement was 
projected in 1669. A committee was appointed by the town of New 
Haven, vested with powers to manage the whole affairs of the settle- 
ment. This committee held the land in trust, and acted in all the af- 



WALLINGFORD. 253 

fairs of the town as trustees, until May, 1672, when they resigned their 
trust to the town. 

The Rev. Samuel Street was the first minister of the place. He 
commenced his labors here in 1672, and continued in the ministry in this 
town forty two years. The tradition is, that the Rev Mr. Davenport 
of New Haven, preached the first sermon in Wallingford, at the bottom 
of the hill on which the town stands, from these words in Isaiah v. 1. 
"My beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill." Mr. Street 
moved here with his family in April, 1673 ; on the 15th of February, 
1675, the town voted, " that there had been consent about establishing 
a church of Christ in the aforesaid town, and a solemn day set apart 
and observed by the town unanimously, to seek God's guidance in so 
great a work ; they have now also actually and unanimously concluded, 
if it be the will of God, that there shall be a church gathered, and to 
walk according to the Congregational way; and have also unani- 
mously left the management of the same in the hands of Mr. Moss, Mr. 
Samuei Street, Mr. Brocket, Eliasaph Preston, John Hall, sen. John 
Hall, jun. Thomas Yale, Nehemiah Royce, Nathan Andrews, Benja- 
min Lewis, Lieutenant Merriman, Sergeant Doolittle, John Beach ; that, 
if it be the will of God to incline their hearts, so many of them as may 
beacompetent number for that work may, in his time, lay the founda- 
tion." The church was, without much doubt, formed soon after. 

The first settlers assembled in a private dwelling, (the house of 
Lieut. Nathaniel Merriman,) for religious worship. In 1679, it was 
agreed to build a house 28 by 24 feet, and ten feet post. In 1681 
a further rate was laid to finish the house, which however was not com- 
pleted. In 1690, an addition of sixteen feet was made to the breadth 
of it ; and the following year " concluded to seal the whole inside from 
sell to plate." 

The inhabitants had repeated apprehensions from the incursions of 
the Indians. On the breaking out of Philip's war in 1675, Mr. Street's 
and Lieut. Mernman's houses were ordered to be fortified, August 
27th : the whole town engaged in the work till it was completed. Every 
man also was required to bring arms and ammunition on the Sabbath 
1 he lollowing October, Sergt. Doolittle's house at the lower end of the 
town, was fortified. Persons were appointed to keep garrison at each 
of the above places.* In February, 1690, there was an order of the 
town to fort m the meeting house. « In 1702, the apprehensions from 
the savages were revived, and the inhabitants brought arms on the 

i 1 S L J Q 1690 ' the number of the inhabitants was 400, fami- 
lies 73 Mr. Street died January, 1717, being 82 years old ; the Rev. 
Samuel VVhittelsey, after preaching about a year, was ordained col- 
eague pastor with Mr. Street in 1710. At this time the number of in- 
habitants was about 700. Mr. Whittelsey died in 1752, bavin* almost 
completed the 42d year of his ministry. He was considered one of the 
most eminent preachers in the colony. 

W a llin g fo r d is bounded north by Meriden, west by Cheshire, east by 
Durham and M jdleitojv^n^so^ th by North B ranford and North Ha- 
* Dr. Dana's Century Sermon. 



254 



WALUNGFORD, 




klMiMlli 



mmmmmKS 



Wallingford, {central part.) 

ven. Its length from east to west is nearly seven miles, and its breadth 
about six. The central part of Wallingford is thirteen miles north from 
New Haven, twenty three south from Hartford, and between eleven and 
twelve miles southwest from Middletown. The prevailing surface is 
pleasantly diversified with moderate hills and dales ; the eastern extre- 
mity of the township is mountainous. The soil is generally excellent, 
excepting a tract called the Wallingford Plain, consisting of coarse sand, 
situated on the eastern bank of the Quinnipiac. It is nearly four miles 
in length, and about three fourths of a mile in breadth. It is the most 
extensive tract of level land in the state, and one of the most sterile 
and barren. The town is watered by the Quinnipiac, a valuable mill 
stream, which passes through the extent of the town, upon which are 
several mills and manufactories. Yaleville is a little manufacturing 
village in the northern section of the town, where britannia and tin ware 
is manufactured to some extent. There is an establishment westward 
of the main street, on the Quinnipiac, for the manufacture of wood 
screws, of which there are about 1,000 groce manufactured daily. The 
principal village of Wallingford is beautifully situated on a fine eleva- 
tion upwards of a mile east of the river, on two parallel streets extend- 
ing along the ridge of the hill. The western street, on which the prin- 
cipal part of the village is situated, is upwards of a mile in length. 

The above is a representation of the central part of Wallingford 
street. The view was taken looking north from the residence of Jared 
P. Whittelsey, Esq. a few rods south of the Congregational church. 
The building on the left is the Congregational church ; a short distance 
northward is seen the Baptist church, having a few poplars standing be- 
fore it ; the large building on the opposite side of the street, without a 
steeple or chimney, is now occupied as an Episcopal church. These 
three churches arc all the houses for public worship in the town. 



WALLINGFORD. 255 

The house now occupied by the Episcopal society was built by a 
Congregational society in this town, known by the name of " the 
" Wells." This society owes its origin to the controversy which took 
place respecting the ordination of Dr. Dana, in 1758. After the death 
of Mr. Whittelsey, in 1752, the first society in Wallingford were desti- 
tute of a settled minister for about six years. At length Mr. James 
Dana, of Cambridge, Massachusetts became a candidate, and gave the 
majority of the society such satisfaction that they agreed to settle him. 
Some, however, were not satisfied with regard to his doctrines. A 
number of persons waited on Mr. Dana in order to ascertain his "sen- 
timents with regard to original sin, the saints' perseverance, free will, 
and falling from grace." He made them very short answers, and said 
he should not tell. They asked him how he liked the platform. He 
said he had never seen it, but supposed if he settled, he should settle 
upon it. They enquired if he had seen the doctrines of faith which 
Mr. Whittelsey had used ? He told them he had. They enquired 
how he liked them ? In reply he asked them, why they did not ask 
him how he liked John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and JEsop's 
Fables? 

This treatment, and his refusing to give an account of his doctrines, 
gave much dissatisfaction, and increased the party against him. A 
complaint was made against him to the consociation, which assembled in 
Wallingford ; the ordaining council met at the same time. Mr. Dana 
and his adherents denied the jurisdiction of the consociation. The or- 
daining council, who were in favor of Mr. Dana, separated from the 
consociation, and ordained him. The consociation adjourned, and in- 
vited the neighboring consociation of the southern district of the county 
of Hartford to unite with them in council. This united council de- 
clared Mr. Dana and his church guilty of scandalous contempt, and it 
voted that " the sentence of non-communion be declared against them." 
The minor part of the church, who were opposed to Mr. Dana, were 
owned as a distinct church by the consociation. They were released 
from taxes to the support of Mr. Dana, by the General Assembly, in 
1759, and allowed to worship by themselves. The Rev. Simon Wa- 
terman was ordained pastor over them in October, 1761. The people 
were made a distinct society, by the name of JVells, in May, 1763. 
The number of church members in this society at the ordination of 
Mr. Waterman was sixty one. " This controversy," says Dr. Trum- 
bull, " divided the town, alienated brethren, and effected divisions in 
the commonwealth and churches." 

At the time of the erection of the Wells meeting house, the parties 
came to blows, an attempt was made to stop the building, the bell was 
rung to call the party together, and the inhabitants, for a number of 
miles round, hastened to the scene of action and joined in the conflict. 



Lyman Hall, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, 
was a native of this town. He was graduated at Yale College in 1747. 
He at first made theology his study and profession ; but he afterwards 
studied medicine, went to Georgia, and established himself as a physi- 



256 



WALLINGFORD, 



cian at Midway. He took an early and decided part in defense of colo- 
nial rights, and was chosen a delegate to the general congress in 1775. 
Dr. Hall was afterwards governor of Georgia. During several of the 
late years of his life, he resided at his plantation near Savannah ; but 
towards the close of it he removed into one of the upper counties of the 
state, where he died in 1790.* 



EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. 

From the Connecticut Journal, April 29, 1768. 

As I have never burthened the public to read or you to publish any of my produc- 
tions; I flatter myself the subsequent succinct suggestions will be forgiven. As econ- 
omy is the watchword of the reign, as candor was of the former, in the courtly and 
ministerial style, it has crossed the Atlantic, and is in high vogue in America as well 
as Westminster, the city of the great king. The story is this, — A few days since, a 
strolling man in soldier's regimental garb, calling himself James McCannon, with 
a blazing woman, came into my house in early morn, begged for cider, then three 
mugs deep, as I was informed ; after some admonitions given him, my affairs pressing 
my immediate departure, I left him in the house, on which he soon became very bois- 
terous, attempted to pilfer some things which my domestic discovered ; finally carried 
off a brass save-all, of a stand of candlesticks, (then undiscovered ;) what else is at 
present unknown. This, though trifling in its value, intrinsically, but as an ancient 
patrimonial legacy of high estimation, not only as a standing evidence of their pru- 
dent economy, but ex vi termini a memento to economy save-all. And hereby 1 beg 
leave to give warning to all families to beware of such strolling pilferers, if they would 
save all. I beg leave also to ask the public, whether it would not be of public utility, 
to have task masters in every town to compel them to labor, as they are passing every 
day in our streets, and will be probably more and more ; or some other similar saluta- 
ry measure. 

I ask pardon for one more hint which pops into my head, while my pen is moving, 
as a supplemental suggestion to economy and save-all. A respectable physician of 
the city of London, of high renown in the faculty, told the subscriber that he required 
his servants to save all the rags, not that it was of the least avail to him, but only a spe- 
cimen of economy — save-all; and withall added, the rags in this city are worth sixty 
thousand pounds sterling a year. I hope the paper mill manufacturers, will not es- 
teem the foregoing hint burthensome, though the public may what precedes. Gentle- 
men, if it appear more eligible to save your pains and paper than print this, remember 
and save all. I am your most humble servant, 

Wallingford, 5 o'clock, April 21th. E. Hall. 



From the Connecticut Gazette. 

At a meeting of a number of the true sons of liberty in Wallingford, in New Haven 
county, on the evening of the 13th day of January, 17G6, after duly formed by choos- 
ing a moderator and a clerk, the following resolves were come into, viz : 

Resolved, 1. That the late act of Parliament, called the Stamp Act, is unconstitu- 
tional, and intended to enslave the true subjects of America. 

Resolved, 2. That we will oppose the same to the last extremity, even to take the 
field. 

Resolved, 3. That we will meet at the Court House in New Haven, on the third 
Tuesday of February next; and we desire all the sons of liberty in each town in the 
county would meet then by themselves or representatives; there to consult what is 
best to be done in order to defend our liberties and properties, and break up the stop 
to public affairs. 

Resolved, 4. That this meeting be adjourned to the first Tuesday of February next, 
then to choose our representatives to attend the aforesaid meeting. 

A true copy, examined, P. P. Clark. 

* Holmes' Annals. 



WATKRBuity. 257 



WATERBURY. 



Waterbury is bounded n. on Plymouth and Watertown, e. on Wol- 
cott and Prospect, s. on Bethany and Oxford, and w. on Middlebury. 
It is 8 miles from north to south, and 4 from east to west. The town 
center is 20 miles from New Haven, and 28 from Hartford. With the 
exception of the alluvial lands upon the. streams, the surface of the soil 
is hilly, rough, and of laborious cultivation. But although nature has 
been sparing of her gifts to constitute its inhabitants a great agricultural 
people, she has been profuse in the abundance of her water-falls ; and 
experience has proved that where these two interests are made to bear 
upon each other, enterprise alone is wanting to produce magnificent re- 
sults. I<or thirty years previous to the introduction of manufactures 
into the community, the population rather decreased. The census of 
1800, gave the number of 3,250— in 18 10, of 2,784— In 1820, of 
2,822— in 1830, of 3,070 exclusive of about 350, which about that 
time were ceded to Prospect, when the parish of Columbia was added 
to form that township. The society of Salem vet remains a parish. 

1 he site upon which the borough of Waterbury stands, is situated in 
a valley which is washed by the Mad river on the east, and the Nau- 
gatuc on the west ; and in its central part is about a mile in breadth. 
1 he main street runs east and west ; but since the increase of the man- 
ufacturing establishments within the last twelve years, a lar^e share of 
the new buildings have been erected in their vicinity, which is in the 
southeast part of the village. On either side of the village, hills gradu- 
ally rise to a considerable elevation, presenting to the eye the galleries 
of an ampitheater, the village forming the area. The number of hou- 
ses 1S about one hundred and fifty, and the population fifteen hundred ; 
which it .s calculated has doubled itself during the last twelve years ■ 
most of the factories having been established within that time. Some' 
of the private dwellings may be called splendid, and a majority of them 
are neat and convenient, with handsome court yards in front. There 
are four churches in the place ; 1 for Congregationalism 1 for Episco- 
palians, 1 for Methodists, and 1 for the Baptist society. The last two 
have been recently built ; and are highly creditable to the congregations, 
considering the weakness of their numbers. The former two, as the 
societies are more numerous and able, will soon give place to edifices 
corresponding with the growth and prosperity of the place. 

The cut on the following page is a southeastern view of the central 
part of the village, and shows its appearance from the summit of a a en - 
tle elevation, about five or six rods east from the road to New Haven. 
Ine Baptist church, with a square tower, is seen in the central part of 
the engraving; the spire of the Episcopal church appears on the left, 
mat ot the Congregational church on the right. 

Of the articles manufactured in the village, those of gilt buttons, and 
tne rolling of brass and copper metals for a great variety of uses, con- 
stitute the greatest business. There are three factories of this kind 
upon an extensive scale, two in the village, and one about two miles 

33 



253 



W'ATERBURY. 




Southeastern view of fVaterbury, (central part.) 

north, connected with which is a gold refinery. There are likewise two 
factories of gilt buttons, upon a considerable scale, unconnected with 
rolling mills; one extensive rolling mill, connected with the brass wire 
and tubing manufacture ; two satinet factories, and one woolen factory ; 
besides a great number of minor establishments, in which buttons of va- 
rious kinds, and other articles, are manufactured to a considerable ex- 
tent. The number of persons in the village of both sexes, who are 
employed in the manufacturing establishments, is between six and seven 
hundred. It is not known precisely what amount is manufactured yearly, 
but it has been estimated by j^ood judges to exceed a million of dollars, 
and is upon the increase. The route has been surveyed by a practical 
engineer, for constructing a canal to bring the Naugatuc on to the bank 
at the west end of the town, which will, when completed, afford a sup- 
ply of water power, capable of employing as much or more capital than 
has been already invested. 

In consequence of the favorable reports relative to the interval lands 
bordering upon the river Naugatuc, in this vicinity, a number of the in- 
habitants of Farmington, in the autumn of 1673, petitioned the As- 
sembly for a committee to view Mattatuck, (the aboriginal name of 
Waterbury,) and report upon the expediency of locating a plantation 
at that place. A committee, consisting of Lieut. Thomas Bull, Lieut. 
Robert. Webster, and Daniel Pratt, was appointed, who reported to the 
Assembly in May, 1674, that Mattatuck would probably afford suffi- 
cient means to sustain a population of thirty families. Upon the re- 
ception of this report, a committee of five, consisting of John Talcot, 
Robert Webster, Nicholas Olmsted, Samuel Steele, and John Wads- 
worth, were appointed to manage and order the affairs of the settle- 
ment. This committee entered immediately upon their duties, and 
drew up a plan to regulate and establish the settlement, which docu- 
ment consisted of eight articles, bearing date the 30th day of May, 
1674, in the following words: 



WATERBURY. 259 

Article I. — Every person that is accepted for an inhabitant shall have eight acres for 
a home lot. 

Article II. — The distribution of meadows shall be proportioned to each person ac- 
cording to estate — no person to have exceeding £100 allotment, excepting two or 
three allotments, which the committee may make according to their best discretion. 

Article 111. — Taxes for public charges to be according to meadow allotments, this 
article to be in force five years — at the end of five years rates to be on polls and estate, 
according to the law of the colony. 

Article IV. — Every person that takes up an allotment, shall, within four years after 
the date hereof, build a good and fashionable dwelling house, 18 by 10, and 9 feet be- 
tween joints, with a good chimney. 

ArlideV. — In case any person shall fail of building as aforesaid, he shall forfeit all 
his allotments at Mattatuck, and all his right and title, buildings only excepted, (o be 
disposed of by the committee to others, who shall be accepted according to the condi- 
tion of these articles. 

Article VI. — All who have allotments, shall personally dwell as inhabitants of Mat- 
tatuck, or forfeit as aforesaid. 

Article VII. — Each person who has an allotment at Mattatuck, shall dwell there 
four years from the time he enters upon dwelling there, or forfeit as aforesaid. 

Article VIII. — All who shall have allotments shall sign these articles. 

The articles were subscribed to by the persons whose names are an- 
nexed. 

* John Laughton, .... £100' John Carrington, . . . £G0 

* John Andrews, .... 100 * William Higason, ... 70 
^Thomas Judd, . . . . 100 Obadiah Richards, ... 80 

Edmund Scott, ... . . 100 1 Thomas Newell, . . . 100 

John Welton, .... 80 John Stanley, sen r. . . . 95 

Abraham Andross, . . . SO J Daniel Warner, ... 60 

Isaac Bronson, .... 90 * Samuel Gridley, ... 90 

John Stanley, .... 100 1 John Warner, jun. . . . 100 

Samuel Hickox, . . . 85 John Judd, .... 100 

* Richard Seymour, . . . 100 Joseph Hickox, . . . 60 

* Abraham Bronson, . . . 80 j John Bronson, senr. ... 80 

* John Porter, .... 80 1* Thomas Gridley, ... 80 
Thomas Handcox, . . . 100 1 Daniel Porter, .... 90 
John Warner, .... 90 * Samuel Judd, .... 80 
Thomas Richason, . . . 50|* William Judd, .... 100 
Note. — The names of those designated by a star,* afterwards declined joining the 

settlement, and the names of the following individuals were added to the list ot sub- 
scribers to supply the vacancy, to wit: John Scovil, Benjamin Barnes, John Stanley, 
jr. Edmund Scott, jr. Joseph Gaylord, John Hopkins, Timothy Stanley, and Thomas 
Warner. 

Thus, the propriety or ownership of the town, was by the commit- 
tee divided into an indefinite number of shares, leaving it optional with 
the settler to subscribe for any portion, not exceeding one hundred 
pounds — the committee reserving to themselves the right to make two 
or three special allotments of one hundred and fifty pounds each. These 
reserved rights were subsequently appropriated — one of £150 value for 
the benefit of the ministry, and another of equal amount for the use of 
schools. 

In the summer of 1674, the committee purchased of the native In- 
dians (in trust for the settlement) by deed, bearing date August 21st, 
for the consideration of divers good causes, and thirty eight pounds, a 
tract of land at Mattatuck, bordering upon both sides of the Naugatuc 
river, ten miles long from north to south, and six miles wide from east 
to west; butting east on Farmington, south on Paugasset, (now Der- 
by,) west on Paugasset, Pomperaug and Potatunk, (now Woodbury and 
Southbury,) and north on wilderness. The breaking out of what was 
called King Philip's war, in 1675, and the distresses attendant upon it, 



260 WATERBURY. 

for a time retarded the designs of the settlers; little else being done 
than exploring the country. After peace was established with the In- 
dians, the subscribers to the articles determined upon settling Mattatuck 
without delay. Accordingly, in 1677, the State's committee assigned 
their purchase of the Indians to Thomas Judd, John Stanley, and oth- 
ers, inhabitants of Mattatuck, and in the January following, made reg- 
ulations about the fences around the meadows on the east side of the 
river, and ordered the work to be finished by the last of May succeed- 
ing. It was at this time that those signers designated in the preceding 
note declined joining the settlement, and the other individuals were ad- 
mitted in their stead. The committee likewise extended to the sub- 
scribers one year more than the articles originally allowed, in which to 
erect their dwellings in Mattatuck. 

In 1684, the Indian owners of the town, for the consideration of di- 
vers good causes, and £9, conveyed to the English proprietors a parcel 
of land to run eight miles north from Mount Taylor, to extend west to 
a north and south line eighty rods east of Quassapaug pond, butted 
north on wilderness, east on Farmington bounds, south on the former 
grant, and west on the aforementioned north and south line. In De- 
cember of the same year, a number of Indians conveyed to said pro- 
prietors a number of pieces of land lying within the bounds described 
within the deed of 1674, probably other claimants to the same lands. 
Thus the ancient limits to the town of Waterbury, as deeded by the 
Indians, and patented by the State to the proprietors, extended about 
eighteen miles from north to south, and about ten from east to west — 
now comprehending the towns of Waterbury, Watertown, and Ply- 
mouth, most of Middlebury, half of Wolcott, and a small part of Ox- 
ford and Prospect. This extent of territory, which was estimated by 
a committee of the Assembly as capable of accommodating thirty fam- 
ilies, now contains a population of about eight thousand souls. 

In the summer of 1677, the proprietors, without their families, came 
on to their purchase to lay out the foundation of the future capital of 
their little colony. The site first pitched upon was on the ridge of a 
considerable eminence, which ascends from the western bank of the 
Naugatuc, about a mile from the present location of Waterbury village, 
and which to this day is called " Town Plot." Streets were laid out, 
(nearly as they now remain,) and building lots of eight acres each were 
apportioned to each settler, agreeable to the original articles of agree- 
ment. But before any buildings were erected on the spot, considera- 
tions both of expedience and safety induced a change from their primi- 
tive design. The disastrous events of King Philip's war admonished 
them of the necessity of maintaining a ready communication with their 
friends and allies at Farmington, and other eastern settlements ; and as 
the Naugatuc was subject to frequent inundations, this intercourse would 
consequently be cut off, should they be attacked by a savage foe during 
flood time. And as the produce from the meadow, which was chiefly 
to constitute their future means of support, must be attended with great 
labor and inconvenience in its transportation up so long and steep an 
ascent, this consideration likewise had no slight influence in turning the 



VVATERBIIRY. 261 

scale in favor of a location in the valley. A few temporary huts were 
therefore erected for the season, on the east bank of the Naugatuc, near 
" Sled Hall ;" and the following year (1678) streets were laid out, and 
dwellings erected upon the present site, with a view to a permanent set- 
tlement. House lots of from one and a half to four acres were set off 
to each individual, according to eligibility of situation, and extent of 
proprietors' rights. In the latter part of the year some of the settlers 
moved their wives and families into their new habitations. The first 
English child born in Waterbury was Rebecca, daughter of Thomas 
and Mary Richardson, April 27, 1679, in a house which stood upon the 
site of the old " Judd House," well known as a tavern stand for more 
than half a century, having been kept by Capt. Samuel Judd, previous 
to the Revolutionary war, until his death, in September, 1825, in the 
9lst year of his age. The house was destroyed by fire on the 25th 
day of February, 1833, in which a young man named John N. Tuttle, 
and two daughters of Mr. Israel Holmes, perished in the flames.* An- 
other house has been erected over the ruins, and is now occupied by 
Mr. Samuel J. Holmes, an elder brother of the aforementioned — grand- 
son of Captain Judd, and lineal descendant from Thomas Judd, one of 
the original settlers. The first English male child born in the settle- 
ment, was Richard, son of John and Mary Welton, Sept. 27, 1679, in 
a house nearly opposite the old Judd house, upon the spot where now 
stands the house of Mr. Giles Ives. 

Among their early privations, the settlers suffered greatly for want of 
a grist mill. Their only resource was by carrying their bread corn to 
Farmington to be ground, a distance of twenty miles, and through a 
pathless wilderness. The State's committee, as early as November, 
1679, took the subject into consideration, and not only recommended 
its erection, but granted 30 acres of land to whoever should build and 
keep up the mill. In 1680, Stephen Hopkins, of Hartford, built a mill 
on Mill river, (now Mad river,) where a mill has stood to the present 
time. Some other allotments were afterwards made by the proprie- 
tors ; but like many grants for public purposes, made with laudable in- 
tentions, posterity are prone to disregard. 

Antecedent to February, 1681, the concerns of the town were di- 
rected by the State's committee, at which time they ordered that the 
inhabitants might elect their own townsmen constables, haywards, sur- 

* To evince the deep sympathy which was felt upon this melancholy occasion, a 
handsome obelisk monument has been erected over the ashes of the victims, with the 
following inscriptions: 

On the west front — " Beneath this stone rests the remains of John N. Tuttle, who 
perished February 25, 1833, in an attempt to rescue two children from a burning 
house. His fellow citizens have erected this monument to his memory." 

On the east front — " To the memory of Hannah Ardelia, aged 7, and Olive Marga- 
ret, aged 5 years, children of Ardelia C. and Israel Holmes, who were consumed by 
fire, February 85, 1833. 

" The midnight fire was fierce and red, 

Sweet babes that wrapt your sleeping bed — 

But he who oft with favoring ear 

Hath bow'd, your early prayers to hear, 

Received beyond this mortal shore, 

The sister souls to part no more." 



262 WATERBURY. 

veyors, fence viewers, and other officers. In 1682, the committee fur- 
ther extended to the settlers the power to regulate the impounding of 
cattle. From that period to 1686, at which date Mattatuck was incor- 
porated under the name of Waterbury, the committee appear to have 
had little to do with its concerns. 

Waterbury was represented for the first time, by Ensign Thomas 
Judd, in May, 1689. Lieut. John Stanley was chosen the second 
representative, the May following. At that time the taxable polls of 
the town, including all males from 16 to 70 years of age, were thirty 
seven. The town list was £1,893, nor did it increase until 1701. 

During the first ten years after their settlement, the inhabitants were 
deprived from hearing the gospel regularly preached. In 1689, the 
Rev. Jeremiah Peck, senr. of Greenwich, was unanimously invited by 
the residents to settle with them in the ministry ; and as inducements, 
they voted him the house and lot which they had already provided for 
a minister, a propriety of £150, and the full benefit of all the divisions 
which had been granted therein. A salary of £60 per annum was 
also voted him, fifty of which was to be paid in provisions and ten in 
wood. Mr. Peck accepted the call, and continued his official duties 
until a short period before his death, which occurred in June, 1699, at 
the age of 77 years. Mr. John Jones officiated for a short time during 
his decline, and subsequently Mr. John Reed preached occasionally — 
was invited to settle, but declined. In the latter part of the year 1699, 
Mr. John Southmayd, of Middletown, was invited to take charge of 
the congregation, but on account of the Indian disturbances at this pe- 
riod, and the deranged condition of the town, he was not ordained until 
May, 1705. At the time of the settlement of Mr. Peck, the number 
of families was thirty, and about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, 7 
of whom (males) were members of the church. The number of mem- 
bers had now increased to 12, but the number of inhabitants remained 
about the same. The salary granted to Mr. Southmayd was £60 a 
year, fifty payable in provisions and ten in wood, at the following rates ; 
wheat 5s., rye 3s., corn 2s. 6d. per bushel, and pork 3d. per pound ; 
with this proviso, that those who paid in money should have a deduc- 
tion of one third — this reducing the salary to £40. Rev. Mark Leav- 
enworth, succeeded Mr. Southmayd. He was ordained in 1740, and 
died in 1797, at the age of 86 years, and in the 58th year of his minis- 
try. When the simplicity of manners which prevailed at that period is 
taken into consideration, the gloomy circumstances of the country, and 
the number and abilities of the inhabitants, the salaries of the two first 
clergymen in Waterbury were much larger than those paid at the pres- 
ent day. 

The first house for public worship erected in Waterbury, stood upon 
the site recently occupied by the Congregational meeting house. It was 
a small building, and continued without gallery or glazing until 1716, 
when the sum of £15 was appropriated for its completion. The con- 
gregation assembled there until 1726, when the town voted to build a 
new house, 50 feet by 40. Lieut. John Hopkins, Sergt. John Scovil, 
Isaac Bronson, deacon Thomas Hickox, and Thomas Clark, were ap- 



WATERBURY. 263 

pointed a committee to superintend its erection. This was indeed a 
great undertaking ; for tradition says that at the time the house was 
commenced, all the inhabitants of the town, men, women and children, 
might have been seated upon its sills. By extraordinary exertions funds 
were raised by donations, contributions, &,c. so that the house was in 
such a state of forwardness that the congregation were seated in 1729 — 
the gallery was finished the following year, which completed an object 
so dear to the hearts of our worthy forefathers. 

Liberal grants in lands were from time to time made by the State's 
committee, in conjunction with the original proprietors of the town, to 
provide for the preaching of the gospel and the establishment and main- 
tenance of elementary schools, amply adequate, it is believed, had the 
property been discreetly managed by their descendants, to have defray- 
ed to this day the salaries of the ministers, and the expenses of the 
common schools throughout the town. But after the town was cut up 
into different societies,* a diversity of interests was created ; the lands 
were mostly sold, the payments became the sources of wearisome liti- 
gation, and a change of times, added to occasional bankruptcies of 
debtors, swallowed up the avails, thereby defeating the praiseworthy in- 
tentions of our ancestors. As an example of the solicitude entertained 
by the original settlers upon the subject of education, and which like- 
wise lays open their embarrassed circumstances, the town, in 1698, 
" Voted, to set up a school four months or more, and the committee are 
to endeavor to get a schoolmaster to teach writing as well as reading." 

Until the peace with the French and Indians in 1713, the dwellings 
of the inhabitants were restricted to the town center ; the men going 
into the meadows and places adjacent to labor during the day, and re- 
turning to their families at night. The menacing attitude of the Indians 
kept the settlement in a perpetual state of alarm. Two or more of the 
citizens were ordered by the government of the State to act in rotation 
daily, as scouts to make discoveries and prevent surprise. Sentinels 
were also placed upon the high grounds in the vicinity to watch for the 
safety of the people. About the year 1707, a small party of Indians 
made a descent from the north to make reprisals from the English. As- 
cending a high hill opposite Mount Taylor to make discoveries, they 
espied one Jonathan Scott and his two sons in Handcock's Meadow. 
The old gentleman was seated under an oak tree near the bank of the 
river, eating his dinner, his sons a little distance from him. The In- 
dians approached the whole unperceived, and took Mr. Scott by sur- 
prise ; the boys got off out of the way. But by threatening the life 
of the father unless he recalled his sons, he reluctantly obeyed, when 
they were all three secured and taken to Canada. Mr. Scott and his 
eldest son, Jonathan, were afterwards redeemed and returned home ; 
but the youngest became attached to the Indians and refused to return. 
To prevent Mr. Scott from escaping or offering resistance, they took 
off his right thumb. Another attack was made by the Indians, in 1710, 

* The society of Westbury (now Watertown) was made a separate society in 1739 ; 
Northbury (now Plymouth) in i740; Middlebury, about 1790. 



264 WATERBURY. 

upon the inhabitants of Waterbury and Simsbury, in which an inhabit- 
ant of the former by the name of Holt, was killed on Mount Toby, and 
several people of the latter. As early as April, 1700, the town voted 
to fortify Ensign Timothy Stanley's house, which stood a little west of 
the academy ; men and boys, with teams — all who were able to work, 
to go about it the next day. And in June, 1707, the town, considering 
the troubles and fears arising from the hostile disposition of the enemy, 
agreed to lay aside cutting bushes till after Michaelmas, and go about 
finishing and repairing the forts. In 1703, the State gave the town £15 
towards aiding in the construction of forts ; and the town agreed to 
build three forts, two at the expense of the State, and one at its own. 
The houses of Lieut. Timothy Stanley, John Hopkins and Mr. South- 
mayd were designated for that purpose. They were accordingly forti- 
fied by stockades, or timbers set up endwise firmly in the ground, with 
an opening for a gate, to pass and repass. Frail as was this defense to 
any enemy but a savage, the inhabitants for years were glad to avail 
themselves of the nightly protection which these feeble fortifications 
afforded. These perpetual troubles, and the necessity of a constant 
system of military discipline, made our forefathers a martial people, 
and even the humblest of military honors were held in high estima- 
tion. The highest military dignitary known among them, was that of 
lieutenant ; but great deference was paid to sergeants — hence the early 
records abound with titles of that grade. Their descendants may smile 
at the simplicity of their ancestors, but the same circumstances combin- 
ed would probably produce precisely the same effects upon their own 
minds. In times of war, danger and distress, honors are awarded by 
the people to those whom they think possess ability and integrity, and 
honors which are conferred with such motives, carry with them some- 
thing more than empty names. The drum was then an important in- 
strument ; it sounded the alarm in time of danger ; it summoned the 
inhabitants to the fortified houses at night, and roused them from their 
slumbers in the morning. It also gave the signal for firing the woods 
to increase the food for the cattle, and to call the inhabitants to their de- 
votions upon the Sabbath. 

Besides the Indian wars, and the ordinary difficulties which attend 
all new settlements, the inhabitants were visited by two calamities du- 
ring the first thirty five years, unparalleled in the subsequent history of 
the town. In February, 1691, the alluvial lands bordering upon the 
Naugatuc, upon which was their chief dependence, were almost ruined 
by a flood. The river, by rains and melting of the snows, rose to a 
prodigious height, far beyond any instance of the kind since known, 
washing away the soil in many places, and covering the remainder 
with gravel and stones to a degree which rendered it unfit for imme- 
diate use. The weather had been previously warm, the frost came out 
of the ground, leaving the arable part an easy prey to the raging ele- 
ment. This untoward misfortune had so depressing an effect upon the 
inhabitants that many were discouraged, and abandoned their posses- 
sions forever. The consequence was, that in 1709, the population va- 
ried but little from that of 1691, eighteen years before. The Wads- 



WATEKBURl'i 263 

Worth manuscript says, that in 1694 " Waterbury was a small town, 
though very compact. It contained twenty five families.''" In October, 
1712, the town was visited by a great and mortal sickness, which raged 
without abatement, until September, 1713. During its prevalence, the 
number of well persons was insufficient to provide for and attend the sick, 
and to bury the dead. About thirty individuals died of the fever, and 
this out of a population of about two hundred. 

To the research of a gentleman who is himself a descendant by both 
parents from two of the original families, we are indebted for the 
data which form the basis of the foregoing history of the rise and pro- 
gress of the town of Waterbury during the first forty years. The popu- 
lation at that period was probably about three hundred. In the notes 
before us, this antiquarian observes : " During the last thirty years, the 
inhabitants maintained among them a constantly preached gospel ; and 
although surrounded with difficulties, dangers, and misfortunes, and 
deprived of all the conveniences and most of the comforts of life, 
(agreeable to our present ideas,) yet they persevered, and we are now 
reaping the harvest of their labors. To their honor be it said that our 
ancestors would not suffer in a comparison drawn between them and 
their posterity. They were moral, religious, industrious and resolute. 
Under their circumstances little progress could be made in literature ; 
but they were calculated to elicit more thought, and more exertion, 
both of body and mind, and those qualities combined make the man." 



Samuel Hopkins, D. D. an eminent divine, was born in this town 
Sept. 17th, 1721. " He lived with bis parents, employed in the labors 
of agriculture, until he entered his fifteenth year ; and such Was the 
purity of manners among the youth of this place, that he never heard 
from any of them a profane expression. After having been placed for 
a short time under the tuition of the Rev. John Graham of Woodbury, 
he entered Yale College in September, 1737, and was graduated in 

1741. While a member of this institution he made a public profession 
of religion." 

" After he was graduated in September, 1741, he retired to his father's house, and 
lived a recluse for a number of months, except when he could hold intercourse with 
persons zealous in religion. In December he went to Northampton, Massachusetts, 
to pursue the study of divinity with Mr. Edwards, and while with him was led to con- 
sider the proper effects and evidences of that renovation of soul, which he believed to 
be necessary in order to receive the blessings of the gospel, and for the first time be- 
came satisfied that he was a Christian. After he was licensed to preach in May, 

1742, he still continued at Northampton, engaged in his theological studies, preaching 
occasionally, without any pecuniary compensation, in the neighboring towns. From 
December of this year till May, 1743, he preached to a new society in Simsbury, Con- 
necticut. In July he went to Housatonnoc, now Great Barringion, Mass., where he 
was ordained Dec. 28, 1743. At this time there were only thirty families in the place. 
Here he continued till Jan. 18, 1769, when he was dismissed by an ecclesiastical coun- 
cil. This event was occasioned by the diminution of his society and the want of sup- 
port. An Episcopal church had been established in the town in order to escape (he 
tax for the maintenance of a minister of the gospel. Mr. Hopkins was again settled 
in the ministry at Newport, Rhode Island, April 11, 1770." 

"Thewarofthe Revolution interrupted his benevolent labors. In Dec. 1776, when the 
British took possession of Newport, he left the (own, and retired to his family, which 
he had before sent to Great Barrington. During the summer of 1777 he preached 
at Newburyport, to a congregation which was thought to be the largest in America. 

34 



266 



WATERBURY. 



Its pastor, the Rev. Mr. Parsons, died a short lime before. He afterwards labored in 
the gospel of Jesus Christ in Canterbury and Stamford, Connecticut. In the springof 
1780 he returned to Newport, which had been evacuated by the British in the fall of 
the preceding year. He found his church and congregation much diminished. The 
town had been so long in the hands of the enemy, that many, who had removed, had 
become established in other places, and were thus prevented from returning. The 
meeting house had been made a barrack for soldiers, and had been much injured, and 
the bell had been carried away. That portion of his former society, which had re- 
mained in the town, had become so impoverished, that he had no prospect of a main- 
tenance. Yet such was his benevolence, that he preached to them a year, supported 
entirely by a few generous friends, and when he received a pressing invitation to set- 
tle at Middleborough, the request of his people induced him to decline it. From this 
time till his death his maintenance was derived entirely from a weekly contribution 
and the donations of his friends. But he was contented with his humble circumstan- 
ces, and in a situation, which would have filled most minds with the greatest anxiety, 
he cast himself upon the providence of God, and experienced through a course of years 
many remarkable interpositions in his favor. His wants were always supplied. On 
the 10th of January, 1799, a paralytic affection deprived him of the use of his limbs, 
although his mental powers were uninjured. But he afterwards recovered from this 
attack, so as to be able to preach. He died December 20, 1803, in the eighty third 
year of his age." 

" Dr. Hopkins was a distinguished divine. His mind was discerning, and his ap- 
plication was almost unequalled. He sometimes devoted to his studies eighteen hours 
in a day. With respect to his views of divine truth, he embraced the Calvinistic doc- 
trines; and it is principally by the consequences which he drew from these doctrines, 
that his name has been rendered famous. He fully admitted the Calvinistic doctrine 
of the entire depravity of the human heart and the sinfulness of all the doings of the 
unregenerate; but his discerning mind perceived the discordance between this doctrine 
and the preaching of some of the Calvinistic divines, who exhorted the unregenerate 
as such to perform certain acts as the appointed way to obtain that grace, which should 
renew their hearts and make them holy. If men before conversion could do nothing 
that was pleasing to God, he concluded they could do nothing to procure the influ- 
ences of the Holy Spirit. Instead therefore of exhorting sinners to use the means of 
grace in order to obtain the divine assistance to enable them to repent, when it was ac- 
knowledged that in the use of the means of grace they would be entirely sinful, he 
thought it a sacred duty, incumbent on the ministers of the gospel, to imitate the 
preaching of the Lord Jesus, their Master, and to call upon men immediately to re- 
pent and yield themselves to the love of God. He thought that religious advantages, 
if in the use of them the unregenerate were not converted, would but increase guilt, 
as in this case there would be a greater resistance to the truth. Another sentiment, 
which is considered as one of the peculiar sentiments of Dr. Hopkins, is that the ina- 
bility of sinners is moral and not natural ; but this is only saying, that their inability 
consists in disinclination of heart or opposition of will to what is good. Combining 
the Calvinistic doctrine, that God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, with his 
views of the nature of sin as consisting entirely in the intention or disposition of the 
mind, he inferred, that it was no impeachment upon the character of the most right- 
eous Disposer of all events to say, not merely that he decreed the existence of sin, but 
that he exerted his own power to produce it. The design being benevolent, he con- 
tended that no more iniquity could be attached to this act, than to the bare permission 
of sin. This is another of his peculiarities. From his views of the nature of holi- 
ness, as consisting in disinterested benevolence, he also inferred, that a Christian 
should be willing to perish for ever, to be for ever miserable, if it should be necessary 
for the glory of God and the good of the universe, that he should encounter this destruc- 
tion. Instead of the Calvinistic doctrine of the strict imputation of Adam's sin and of 
the righteousness of Christ, he chose rather to adopt the language of scripture in say- 
ing, that on account of the first transgression men were made or constituted sinners, 
and that men are justified on account of the righteousness of Christ, or through the re- 
demption, which there is in him. 

" Dr. Hopkins published three sermons, entitled, Sin through divine interposition an 
advantage to the universe, and yet this no excuse for sin or encouragement to it, 1759, 
the second edition of which was published in Boston in 1773, and another edition about 
the same time in Edinburgh; an inquiry concerning the promises of the gospel, wheth- 
er any of them are made to the exercises and doings of persons in an unregenerate 
slate, containing remarks on two sermons by Dr. Mayhew, 1765; a sermon on the di- 
vinity of Christ, preached in Boston, 1768; two sermons on Romans vii. 7, and John i. 
13, 17GS, republished 1793 ; the true state and character of the unregenerate, stripped 
of all misrepresentation and disguise, being an answer to the reverend Mr. Mills, 
1769; animadversions on Mr. Hart's late dialogue, 1770 ; an inquiry into the nature 



WATERBURY. 



267 



of true holiness, with an appendix in answer to Drs. Hemmenway and Mather, 1773; 
of this inquiry a second edition was published in 1791 ; a dialogue showing it to be the 
duty and interest of the American states to emancipate all their African slaves, 1770; 
an inquiry concerning: the future state of those who die in their sins, 1783 ; a system of 
doctrines, contained in divine revelation, explained and defended, to which is added 
atreatiseon the millennium, 2 vols. 8vo. 1793; it is on this system of divinity, thauhe 
reputation of the author principally rests; the life of Miss Susannah Anthony, 179G; 
the life of Mrs. Osborn, 1798 ; and a volume of sermons either a short time before or 
•soon after his death. He left behind him sketches of his life written by himself, a dia- 
logue on the nature and extent of true Christian submission, and an address to pro- 
fessing Christians, all of which were published by the reverend Dr. West of Stock- 
bridge in 1805."* 

Dr. Lemuel Hopkins, a physician and poet, was born in this town 
June 19th, 1750. "His father was a farmer in easy circumstances, 
and while he reared all his children to the labor of the field, took care 
to bestow upon them a good education. Dr. Hopkins is said to have 
been determined to the study of physic when young, by observing the 
gradual decline of some of his connexions, who were sinking under a 
consumption. This inclination to medical pursuits was strengthened by 
the circumstance of an hereditary predisposition to the same disorder 
which existed in the family. His education, it seems, had not been 
classical, and having resolved upon the medical profession, he applied 
himself to Latin and other preliminary studies, and after proper qualifi- 
cation, placed himself under the care of a physician in Wallingford. 
He began regular practice in Litchfield, about the year 1776, and was 
for a short time in the American army as a volunteer. About 1784, 
he removed to Hartford. Here he passed the rest of his life, devoted 
to the labors of a physician and man of letters. He fell a victim, we 
are told, to the exercise of an improper remedy in his own case, occa- 
sioned by his dread of a pulmonary complaint. He died on the 14th 
of April, 1801. 

" Dr. Hopkins was a physician of great skill and reputation. His 
memory was so retentive, that he would quote every writer he had read, 
whether medical or literary, with the same readiness that a clergyman 
quotes the Bible. In his labors for scientific purposes, he was indefati- 
gable. The Medical Society of Connecticut is indebted to him as one 
of its founders. In his person, he was tall, lean, stooping and long- 
limbed, with large features and light eyes, and this uncouth appearance, 
added to a great eccentricity of manner, rendered him at first sight a 
very striking spectacle."! 

In his literary character he was eminent among the distinguished 
writers of the place where the most of his life was spent. Trumbull, 
Barlow, Humphreys, Dwight, and others, were his associates, and the 
first two, with Hopkins, wrote the Anarchiad. He also had a hand in 
The Echo, The Political Greenhouse, and many satirical poems of 
that description, in which he had for his associates, Richard Alsop, 
Theodore Dwight, and a number of others. Besides these, there are 
a few short pieces which were written by him exclusively ; among 
which is his Epitaph on a patient killed by a cancer quack. 

* Alien's American Biographical Dictionary. t Kettell's American Poetry. 



263 



WOLCOTT, 



ON A PATIENT KILLED BY A CANCER Q.UACK. 



Here lies a fool flat on his back, 
The victim oif a cancer quack j 

Who lost his money and his life, 

By plaster, caustic, ami by knife. 

The case was tins — a pimple rose, 

Southeast .1 huh- of his nose ; 

Which daily redden'd and grew bigger, 

As too much drinking gave it vigor; 

A score of gossips soon ensure 

Full threescore different modes of cure; 

But yet the full-fed pimple still 

Defied all petticoated skill ; 

When fortune led him to peruse 

A handbill in the weekly news ; 

Sign'd by six fools of different sorts, 

Ali cured of cancers made of warts; 

^Y'ho recommend with due submission, 

This cancer-monger as rmigieian ; 

Fear wing'd li is flight to iind the quack, 

And prove his cancer-curing knack ; 

tut on his way he found another, — 

A second advertising brother: 

But as much like him as an owl 

Is unlike every handsome fowl : 

Whose fame had raised him as broad a fog, 

And of the two the greater hog; 

Who used a still more magic plaster, 

That sweat forsooth, and cured the faster. 

This doctor view'd with mooney eyes 

And scowl'd-up face, the pimple's size; 

Then christen'd it in solemn answer, 

And cried, "this pimple's name is cancer, 

But courage, friend, 1 see you're pale, 

My sweating plasters never fail: 

I've sweated hundreds out with ease, 

With roots as long as maple trees ; 



And never fail'd in all my trials — 
Behold these samples here in vials! 
Preserved to show my wondrous merits, 
Just as my liver is — in spirits. 
For twenty joes the cure is done — " 
The bargain struck, the plaster on, 
Which gnaw'd the cancer at its leisure, 
And pain'd his face above all measure. 
But still the pimple spread the faster, 
And swell'd like toad that meets disaster. 
Thus foil'd the doctor gravely swore, 
It was a right-rose cancer sore ; 
Then stuck his probe beneath the beard, 
And show'd him where the leaves appear'd ; 
And raised the patient's drooping spirits, 
By praising up the plaster's merits. 
Quoth he, "the roots now scarcely stick — 
I '11 fetch her out like crab or tick ; 
And make it rendezvous, next trial, 
With six more plagues in my old vial." 
Then purged him pale with jalap drastic, 
And next applied the infernal caustic. 
But yet, this semblance bright of hell 
Served but to make the patient yell ; 
And, gnawing on with fiery pace, 
Devour'd one broadside of his face— 
"Courage, 'tis done," the doctor cried, 
And quick the incision knife applied: 
That with three cuts made such a hole, 
Out flew the patient's tortured soul ! 
Go, readers, gentle, eke and simple, 
If you have wart, or corn, or pimple ; 
To quack infallible apply ; 
Here's room enough lor you to lie. 
His skill triumphant still prevails, 
For death's a cure that never fails. 



VVOLCOTT. 

Wolcott is a small elevated township, situated in the northern ex- 
tremity of the county, bounded n. by Plymouth and Bristol, e. by 
Southington, s. by Cheshire and Waterbury, and w. by Waterbury 
and Plymouth. It averages about six miles in length, and has an ave- 
rage breadth of about three miles. "The township is hilly and moun- 
tainous, and is situated in the vicinity of the commencement of the 
granitic district, which extends through the western section of the state, 
and comprises a considerable portion of Litchfield County. About li 
miles n. e. of the meeting house, there is a hill, which is the most ele- 
vated land in this part of the state ; Long Island sound, the mountain 
east of Somers, and some part of the state of Massachusetts, can be 
seen from this spot. The soil is a hard, coarse, gravelly loam, and 
rather sterile : the lands however afford tolerable grazing, but are rough 
and stony. There are two houses of worship, 1 for Congregationalists, 
and 1 for Episcopalians. The number of inhabitants in 1810 was 952; 
in 1S30, it was reduced to 843. 

Wolcott was incorporated as a town in 1796. It was formed from 
a part of the original town of Farmington and a part of Waterbury. It 
was from this circumstance that the place was formerly called Farming- 
bury. The first clergyman was the Rev. Alexander Gillet : he was 
succeeded by the Rev. Israel B. Woodward. Mr. Woodward, though 



WOODBRIDGE. 269 

somewhat eccentric in some part of his conduct, was a person of supe- 
rior intelligence and esteemed by his parishioners. A thanksgiving 
sermon of his is recollected, in which he compares the state of Connec- 
ticut to the land of Canaan. In one respect, he mentioned, there was 
a striking similarity ; the land of Canaan was rocky, this was very much 
the case with Connecticut, at least with that part of it in which Wolcott 
was situated. 



WOODBRIDGE. 



Woodbridge was incorporated as a town in 1784. It was original- 
ly a parish by the name of Amity, which was formed from the towns 
of New Haven and Milford. It is bounded n. by Bethany, e. by 
Hamden, s. by New Haven and Orange, and w. by Derby. Its ave- 
rage length is about five miles, and its breadth about four. The soil is 
a hard gravelly loam, and affords good grazing; and large cjuantities of 
butter are made in this town for the New Haven market. The princi- 
pal stream is the West river, which runs on the west side of the West 
Rock, a range of mountains on the eastern border of this town. The 
central part of the town is about.six miles from New Haven. 

Amity was constituted a parish in 1739. The town was named from 
the Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge, the first clergyman, who was ordained 
here in 1742. The house in which he lived is still standing, and is 
about 100 rods southeast from the Congregational church, now occupied 
by the widow and children of Mr. Daniel T. Smith. Mr. Woodbridge 
presented the town with a copy of Whitby's Commentary on the New 
Testement, in gratitude for the honor done him in naming the town. 
It is said tiiat Mrs. Woodbridge, his wife, was the first person who in- 
troduced the use of tea into the place. This town has a fund of about 
five thousand dollars, given by Mr. Stephen Sanford, who it appears was 
a firm friend to the American cause during the Revolution. His will 
reads thus ; " I also give to the society of Amity, in the town of New 
Haven, for the support of a Presbyterian or Congregational minister, in 
said society, he being a friend to this, and. the United States of Ame- 
rica, after my wife's estate therein shall be ended," See. 

The regicides, Goffe and Whalley, had a number of places of con- 
cealment in the limits of this town, the most noted of which is called 
the Lodge or Hatchet Harbor, about seven miles from New Haven. 
It was situated (says Dr. Stiles, in his history of the Judges) at a spring 
in a valley. " A little northward of it was an eminence, called the Fort 
to this day, from whence there was an extensive and commanding pros- 
pect, and a full view of New Haven harbor to the southeast, seven 
miles off. From this they could see the vessels passing in and out of 
the harbor. When they came to this abode is uncertain ; — it was in 
the summer, and they left it and removed to Milford, August, 1661, 
after having resided in and about New Haven for near half a year, from 
the 7th of March to the 19th of August, 1661." " On a tract about 
a mile square, and lying four miles northwest of Sperry's [farm,] there 



270 WOODBRIDGE. 

are four hills or eminences, between which are valleys and intercurrent 

brooks On the northern declivity of one of these hills, issues a small 

perennial spring, between two trees, a walnut and chestnut, now three and 
four feet in diameter, and judged to be two hundred years old, standing 
twenty-two feet apart. This fountain is stoned as if with design, and 
probably remaining as the Judges left it. Tradition says that when they 
came to this spring, one of them said, " Would to God we had a 
hatchet ;" and immediately finding a hatchet, left there probably by the 
Indian hunters, they cut down boughs and built a temporary harbor, from 

this circumstance called Hatchet Harbor to this day." " On an 

eminence west of this, by the side of a ledge of rocks twenty feet high, 
was built a cave, or convenient lodgment, ten feet long and seven wide, 
regularly stoned. I find the walls (says Dr. Stiles) now remaining, 
though somewhat broken down. It was covered with trunks of trees, 
which remained, though much rotten and decayed, till within forty years 
ago ; indeed I saw some of the rudera, rafters, or broken relics, limbs 
and trunks of trees, still lying in the cavity. This was undoubtedly 
their great and principal lodge, and in a very recluse and secreted place. 

There is a beautiful spring six rods from it." About 100 rods north, 

" on Deacon Peck's farm, lies another hillock or eminence, called to 
this day, and in the records so early, as 1675, ' Providence Hill ; be- 
tween which and Fort Rock's Hill, is a valley and brook. Between 
these two hills runs the dividing line of the towns of Milford and New 
Haven. The tradition is, that it acquired its name thus. While the 
Judges resided at the lodge on the southern hill, they apprehended 
themselves discovered and pursued, while walking on the tops of the 
hills, — and the Indians always burned rings or tracts on those summits, 
to give a clear view for hunting deer. Supposing themselves discover- 
ed, they took to the bush, and to deceive their pursuers, ranged a north 
course between the hills, and giving them a false scent, turned off to 
the westward, and came round the hill to their old place in security. 
On account of this deliverance, they called this northwest hill, Provi- 
dence Hill." 

During the time they were in the vicinity of New Haven, the Judges 
had " two other occasional lodgments in the woods ; one at the house of 
Mr. Riggs, newly set up in the wilderness, at Paugasset or Derby ; an- 
other between that and Milford. They were sometimes at Totoiket or 
Branford." — i: From their lodgments in the woods the Judges removed 
and took up an asylum in the house of Mr. Tomkins, in the center of 
Milford, thirty or forty rods from the meeting house." It is stated, that 
there was a house built for them on Tomkins's lot, about twenty feet 
square, and of two stories. The lower room was built with a stone wall 
and considered as a store ; the room above was built of wood, and was 
used by the Tomkins family as a working or spinning room. The family 
used to spin in the room above, ignorant of the Judges being below, 
where they resided for two years, without going abroad so much as into 
the orchard. 



271 



NEW LONDON COUNTY. 

New London County is bounded n. by Windham, Tolland and 
Hartford Counties, e. by Windham County and the state of Rhode 
Island, s. by Long Island sound, and w. by the county of Middlesex. 
Its average length from east to west averages about 26 miles, and it has 
a medium breadth of about 20 miles. This county possesses superior 
maritime advantages, having an extensive border on Long Island sound, 
which affords numerous bays, inlets and harbors. Excepting a small 
section, principally in the town of Lyme, no portion of the county can 
be considered as mountainous, but it is generally hilly and elevated, and 
comprises a small proportion of alluvial. The hills and elevated tracts 
are considerably rough and stony. The lands in general are not adapted 
to grain culture, although upon the intervals and other tracts, Indian 
corn is raised to advantage, and to a considerable extent. The princi- 
pal agricultural interests depend very much upon grazing. The waters 
of the county are abundant and valuable. On the south it is washed 
more than thirty miles by Long Island sound, part of its western bor- 
der by Connecticut river, and the interior of the county is watered and 
fertilized by the Thames and its branches. The fishing business is more 
extensively carried on in this county than in any other section of the 
state, and is an important branch of industry. The manufacturing busi- 
ness is carried on to a considerable extent in the northern part of the 
county, and is increasing. 

The following is a list of the several towns in the county, with the 
population in 1830. 



New London 


4,356 


Groton 


4,805 


N. Stonington 


2,840 


Norwich 


5,179 


Lebanon 


2,555 


Preston 


1,935 


Bozrah 


1,079 


Ledyard 




Salem 


959 


Colchester 


2,073 


Lisbon 


1,166 


Stonington 


3,401 


Franklin 


1,194 


Lyme 


4,092 


Waterford 


2,477 


Griswold 


2,212 


Montville 


1,972 







Population of the county in 1820, 35,943; in 1830, 42,295. 



NEW LONDON. 

The first English settlement in New London was made by several 
persons in 1646. Lots were laid out to them, but it appears that some 
of the settlers were discouraged and left the place. The next year Mr. 
Richard Blinman, who had been a clergyman in England, removed from 
Gloucester to this new settlement : in consequence of which consider- 
able accession was made to the number who had kept their station. In 
164S, more than forty families had joined the settlement. Some of the 
principal persons were John Winthrop, Esq., the Rev. Mr. Blinman, 
Thomas Minof, Samuel Lathrop, Robert Allyn, and James Avery. 



272 NEW LONDON. 

The Indian name of the place was Nameaug, alias Towawog* The 
tract of country now comprised in the limits of New London, Montville, 
Waterford and Groton, was called Pequot for a number of years, from 
the name of the harbor and original inhabitants. In March, 1658, the 

Assembly passed the following act respecting its name. 

•• Whereas it hath been the commendable practice of the inhabitants 
of all the colonies of these parts, that as this country hath its denomina- 
tion from our dear native country of England, and thence is called ."New- 
England, so that planters, in their first settling of most new plantations, 
have given names to those plantations of some cities and towns in Eng- 
land, thereby intending to keep up, and leave to posterity the memorial 
o( several places of note there, as Boston, Hartford. Windsor, York, 
Ipswich, Braintree, Exeter; this court considering, that there hath yet 
no place in any of the colonies, been .named in memory o( the city of 
London, there being a new plantation within this jurisdiction of Con- 
necticut, settled upon that fair river Mohegan, in the Pequot country, 
being an excellent harbor and a fit and convenient place for future trade, 
it being also the only place which the English in these parts have pos- 
sessed by conquest, and that upon a very just war, upon that great and 
warlike people, the Pequots, that therefore they might thereby leave to 
posterity the memory of that renowned city of London, from whence 
we had our transportation, have thought tit. in honor to that famous 
city, to call the said plantation New London.'" The name of the river 
was also changed and called Thames. f 

The town of New London is situated on the west bank of the river 
Thames. In its territorial limits it is much the smallest of any town in 
the state, being about four miles in length from north to south, and 
averaging about three fourths of a mile in breadth. The city of New- 
London is situated 3 miles from Long Island sound : it is the s^emi-seat 
of justice for the county, and a port of entry. It is 42 miles southeast 
from Hartford, 13 miles south of Norwich, and 53 miles east from New 
Haven. Lon. -1 48 east from Washington, Lat. 41- 25" north. 
The city is principally built on a declivity, which descends to the east 
and south. On the summit of the high ground, back of the m6st pop- 
ulous part of the city, the observer has a fine prospect of the surrounding 
country. The city is irregularly laid out, owing to the nature of the 
siround on which it is built, being much incumbered with granite rocks. 
The houses are not so handsome in their outward appearance as might 
be reasonably expected, considering the wealth of the inhabitants. In 
the course of a few years past, however, a spirit of improvement in this 
respect has taken place, and many buildings have been erected which 
are elegant in their appearance. Some of the streets have been strait- 
ened and leveled, by blasting the granite rocks with which they were 
disfigured. These rocks afford an excellent material for the construc- 
tion of buildings, and it is believed that no city in this country has the 
advantages of New London, in this particular, where the materials for 
erecting houses can be found in their streets. The harbor is one oi 

* Dr. Trumbull. t Ree anecticat and New London. 



NEW LONDON. 



273 



the best in the United States, being large, safe, and commodious, hav- 
ing five fathoms of water. It is three miles" long, and rarely obstructed 
with ice. During the extreme cold in January, 1835, while the navi- 
gation of the harbor of New York was closed by the ice, the harbor of 
New London remained open and unobstructed. 




N. view of Fort Trumbull from New London, (1830.^) 

New London contains five places for public worship ; 2 Congrega- 
tional, 1 Baptist, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist. There are three banks, 
the Union, incorporated in 1792, the New London, incorporated in 
1807, and the Whaling hank, recently incorporated. There are two 
insurance offices, the Union Marine, and the New London Fire and 
Marine Insurance companies: the latter company has a capital stock of 
250,000 dollars. From the excellent maritime location of New Lon- 
don, the navigation, commercial and fishing business, has ever been the 
principal pursuit of the inhabitants. Their fine harbor has served in a 
great degree as the port of Connecticut river, the impediments. in which 
frequently prevent its being navigable for large vessels fully laden. The 
whale fishery and sealing business is an importantiwanch of commerce. 
About a million of dollars is devoted to its prosecution. In 1834, up- 
wards of thirty ships, and 900 men and boys were employed in this 
business. 

The city is defended by two forts, Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold. 
Fort Trumbull stands on the New London side of the Thames, about 
a mile below the city. It is situated on the rocky extremity of a pe- 
ninsula extending eastward into the river. This fort "is a* station for 
United States soldiers. Fort Griswold is on the east side of the Thames, 
on- a commanding eminence opposite the city, in the town of Groton. 
It is not at present occupied as a military post, and is considerably out 
of repair. 

New London has been rendered conspicuous for its sufferings during 
the Revolutionary war, and the theater of hostile operations. On the 
6th of September, 1781, a large proportion of this town was laid in 
ashes by Benedict Arnold. The following account of this transaction 

35 



274 NEW LONDON. 

is taken from the Connecticut Gazette, printed at New London, Sept. 
7, 1781. 

"About daybreak on Thursday morning last, 24 sail of- the enemy's 
shipping appeared to the westward of this harbor, which by many were 
supposed to be a plundering party after stock; alarm guns were imme- 
diately fired, but the discharge of cannon in the harbor has become so 
frequent of late, that they answered little or no purpose. The defense- 
less state of the fortifications and the town are obvious to our readers ; 
a few of the inhabitants who were equipped, advanced towards the place 
where the enemy were thought likely to make their landing, and ma- 
noeuvred on the heights adjacent, until the enemy about 9 o'clock landed 
in two divisions, and about 800 men each, one of them at Brown's farm 
near the light-house, the other at Groton Point : the division that landed 
near the light-house marched up the road, keeping up large flanking 
parties, who were attacked in different places on their march by the in- 
habitants, who had spirit and resolution to oppose their progress. The 
main body of the enemy proceeded to the town, and set fire to the 
stores on the beach, and immediately after to the dwelling houses lying 
on the Mill Cove. The scattered fire of our little parties, unsupported 
by our neighbors more distant, galled them so that they soon began to 
retire, setting fire promiscuously on their way. The fire from the stores 
communicated to the shipping that lay at the wharves, and a number 
were burnt ; others swung to single fast, and remained unhurt. 

" At 4 o'clock, they began to quit the town with great precipitation, 
and were pursued by our brave citizens with the spirit and ardor of vet- 
erans, and driven on board their boats. Five of tife enemy were killed, 
and about twenty wounded ; among the latter is <i Hessian captain, who 
is a prisoner, as are seven others. We lost four killed and ten or twelve 
wounded, some mortally. 

"The most .valuable part of the town is reduced to ashes, and all 
the stores. Fort Trumbull, not being tenable on the land side, was 
evacuated as the enemy advanced, and the few men in it crossed the 
river to Fort Griswold, on Groton Hill, which was soon after invested 
by the division that landed at the point: the fort having in it only 
about 120 men, chiefly militia hastily collected, they defended it with 
the greatest resolution and bravery, and once repulsed the enemy : 
but the fort being out of repair, could not be defended by such a 
handful of men, though brave and determined, against so superior a 
number; and after having a number of their party killed and wounded, 
they found that further resistance would be in vain, and- resigned the 
fort. Immediately on the surrendry, the valiant Col.^Ledyard, whose 
fate in a particular manner is much lamented, and 70 other officers 
and men were murdered, most of whom were heads of families. The 
enemy lost a Major Montgomery and forty officers and men in the 
attack, who were found buried near the fort : their wounded were car- 
ried off. 

" Soon after the enemy got possession of the fort, they set fire to and 
burnt a considerable number of dwelling houses and stores on Groton 
bank, and embarked about sunset, taking with them sundry inhabitants 



NEW LONDON. 275 

of New London and Groton. A Col. Eyre, who commanded the di- 
vision at Groton, was wounded, and it is said died on board the fleet 
the night they embarked. About 15 sail of vessels, with the effects of 
the inhabitants, retreated up the river on the appearance of the enemy, 
and were saved, and four others remained in the harbor unhurt. The 
troops were commanded by that infamous traitor Benedict Arnold, who 
headed the division which marched up to the town. By this calamity 
it is judged that more than one hundred families are deprived of their 
habitations, and most of their all. This neighborhood feel sensibly- the 
loss of so many deserving citizens, and though deceased, cannot but be 
highly indebted to them for their spirit and bravery in their exertions 
and manly opposition to the merciless enemies of our country in their 
last moments." 

" The following savage action, committed by the troops who subdued 
Fort Griswold, on Groton Hill, on Thursday last, ought to be recorded 
to their eternal infamy. Soon after the surrender of the fort, they 
loaded a wagon with our wounded men, by order of their officers, and 
set the wagon off from the top of the hill, which is long and very 
steep. The wagon went, a-considerable distance w'uh great force, till 
it was suddenly stopped by a tree ; the shock was so great to those 
faint and bleeding men, that some of them died instantly. The offi- 
cers ordered their men to fire on the wagon while it was running." 

The buildings burnt at New London in this expedition by the British 
troops, were 65 dwelling houses containing 97 families, 31 stores, 18 
shops, 20 barns, and 9 public and other buildings, among which were 
the court house, jail and church— -in all 143. 

" In many instances where houses were situated at a great distance 
from any stores, and contained nothing but household furniture, they* 
were set on fire, notwithstanding the earnest cries and entreaties of the 
women and children in them, who were threatened with being burnt in 
them if they did not instantly leave them. Indeed two houses were 
bought off for 10/. each, of in officer who appeared to be a captain, 
upon condition, however, that he should not be made known ; and 
where the houses were not burnt 'they were chiefly plundered of all 
that could be carried off. At the harbor's mouth, the houses of poor 
fishermen were stripped of all their furniture of every kind, the poor 
people having nothing but t?he clothes they had on." 

The following is Arnold's official account of his expedition to New 
London : 

Sound, off Plumb Island, 8th Sept. 1781. 
Sir, — I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that the transports with the de- 
tachment of troops under my orders, anchored on the Long Island shore on the 5th 
instant, at 2 o'clock, P.M. about ten leagues from New London; and having made 
some necessary arrangements, weighed anchor at 7 o'clock, P. M. and stood for New 
London with a fair wind. At 1 o'clock the next morning, we arrived off the harbor, 
when the wind suddenly shifted to the northward, and it was 9 o'clock before the trans- 
ports could beat in. At 10 o'clock the troops in two divisions, and in four debarka- 
tions, were landed, one on each side of the harbor, about three miles from New Lon- 
don ; that on the Groton side, consisting of the 40th and 54th reg'ts, and the 3d batf. 
of New Jersey volunteers, with a detachment of Yagers and Artillery, were under 
the command of Lieut. Col. Eyre. The division on the New London side consisted 
of the 38th regiment, the Loyal Americans, the American Legion, Refugees, and a 



276 NEW LONDON. 

detachment of GO Yagers, who were immediately on their landing put in motion ; and 
at II o'clock, being within half a mile of Fort Trumbull, which commands New 
London harbor, I detached Capt. Millett, with four companies of the 88th regiment, 
to attack the fort, who was joined on Ins inarch by Capt. Frink, with one company of 
the American Legion. At the same time I advanced with the remainder of the divis- 
ion, west of Fort Trumbull, on the road to the town, to attack a redoubt which had 
kept up a blisk are upon ns for sometime; but which the enemy evacuated on our 
approach. In this work we found six pieces of cannon mounted, and two dismounted. 
Soon after I had the pleasure to see Capt. Millett march into Fort Trumbull, under 
a shower of grape shot from a number of cannon which the enemy had turned upon 
him; and I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that by the sudden attack 
and determined bravery of the troops, the fort was carried with the loss of only four 
or five men killed and wounded. Capt. Millett had orders to leave one company in 
Fort Trumbull, to detach one to the redoubt we hail taken, and to join me with the 
other companies. No time on my part was lost in gaining the town of New London. 
We were opposed by a small body of the enemy, with one field piece, who were so 
hard pressed that they were obliged to leave the piece, which being iron was spiked 
and left. 

As soon as the enemy were alarmed in the morning, we could perceive they were 
busily employed in bending sails, and endeavoring to get their privateers and other 
ships up Norwich river out of our reach; but the wind being small, and the tide 
against them, they were obliged to anchor again. From information 1 received be- 
fore and after my landing, 1 had reason to believe i hat Fort Griswold, on Groton side, 
was very incomplete; and I was assured by friends to Government, after my landing, 
that there were only twenty or thirty men m the fort, the inhabitants in general being 
on board their ships, and busy in saving their property. 

On taking possession of Fort Trumbull, I found the enemy's ships would escape 
unless we could possess ourselves of Fort Griswold; 1 therefore dispatched an officer 
to Lieut Col. Eyre with the intelligence 1 had received, and requested him to make 
an attack upon the fort as soon as possible; at which time I expected the howitzer 
was up, and would have been made use of. On my gaining a height of ground in the 
rear of New London, from which I had a good prospect of Fort Griswold, I found it 
much more formidable than I expected, or than I had formed an idea of, from the in- 
formation I had before received; I observed at the same time, that the men who had 
escaped from Fort Trumbull, had crossed m boats and thrown themselves into Fort 
Griswold, and a favorable wind springing up about this time, the enemy's ships were 
escaping up the river notwithstanding the lire from Fort Trumbull, and a six pounder 
which I had with me. I immediately dispatched a boat with an officer to Lieut. Col. 
Eyre, to countermand my first order to attack the fort, but the officer arrived at a few 
minutes too late. Lieut. Col. Eyre had sent Capt. Beekwith with a flag, to demand a 
surrender of the fort, which was peremptorily refused, and the attack had commen- 
ced. After a most obstinate defense of near forty minutes, the fort was carried by 
the superior bravery and perseverance of the assailants. The attack was judicious 
and spirited, and reflects the highest honor on the officers of the troops engaged, who 
seemed to vie with each other in being first in danger. The troops approached on 
three sides of the work, which was a square with thinks, made a lodgment in the 
ditch, and under a heavy fire, which they kept upon the works, effected a second 
lodgment upon the fraizing, which was attended with great difficulty, as only a few 
pickets could be forced out or broken in a place, ami was so high that the soldiers 
could not ascend without assisting each other. Here the coolness and bravery of the 
troops were very conspicuous, as the first who ascended the fraize were obliged to 
silence a nine pounder which enfiladed the place on which they stood, until a suffi- 
cient body had collected to enter the works, which was done with fixed bayonets, 
through the embrazures, where they were opposed with great obstinacy by the garri- 
son with long spears. On this occasion I have to regret the loss of Major Montgom- 
ery, who was killed by a speai in entering the enemy's works; also of Ensign Whit- 
loek, of the 40th regiment, who was killed in the attack". Three other officers of the 
same regiment were wounded; Lieut. Col. Eyre, and three other officers of the 54th 
regiment, were also wounded ; but I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency, 
that they are ail in a fair way to recover. 

Lieutenant Colonel Eyre, who behaved with great gallantry, having received his 
wound near the works, and Major Montgomery being killed immediately after, the 
command devolved on Major Brom field, whose behavior on this occason does him 
great honor. Lieut. Col. Buskirk, with the New Jersey volunteers and artillery, being 
the second debarkation, came up soon alter the work was carried, having been retard- 
ed by the roughness of the country; I am much obliged to this gentleman for las ex- 
ertions, although the artillery did not arrive in time. 



NEW LONDON. 277 

I have enclosed a return of the killed and wounded, by which your Excellency will 
observe that our loss, though very considerable, is short of the enemy's, who lost most 
of their officers, among whom was their commander, Col. Ledyurd. Eighty-five men 
were found dead in Foit Griswold, and sixty wounded, most of them mortally; their 
loss on the opposite side must have been considerable, but cannot be ascertained. I 
believe we have about 70 prisoners, besides the wounded who were left paroled. 

Ten or twelve ships were burned, among them three or four armed vessels, and one 
loaded with naval stores; an immense quantity of European and West India goods 
were found in the stores — among the former the cargo of the Hannah, Capt. Watson, 
from London, lately captured by the enemy. The whole of which was burnt with 
the stores, which proved to contain a large quantity of powder, unknown to us; the 
explosion of the powder, and change of wind, soon after the stores were fired, commu- 
nicated the flames to part of the town, which was, notwithstanding every effort to pre- 
vent it, unfortunately destroyed. 

Upwards of fifty pieces of iron cannon were destroyed in the different works, (ex- 
clusive of the guns of the ships,) a particular return of which I cannot do myself the 
honor to transmit to your Excellency at this time. 

A very considerable magazine of powder, and barracks to contain three hundred 
men, were found in Fort Griswold, which Capt. Lcmoine of the Royal Artillery had 
my positive directions to destroy ; an attempt was made by him, but unfortunately 
failed. He had my orders to make a second attempt: the reasons why it was not 
done, Capt. Lemoine will have the honor to explain to your Excellency. 

I should be wanting in justice to the gentlemen of the navy, did I omit to acknowl- 
edge that upon this expedition I have received every possible aid from them. Cap- 
tain Beasley has made every exertion to assist our operations, and not only gave up 
his cabin to the sick and wounded officers, but furnished them with every assistance 
and refreshment that his ship afforded. 

Lord Dalrymple will have the honor to deliver my dispatches; I beg leave to refer 
your Excellency to his Lordship for the particulars of our operations on the New 
London side. I feel myself under great obligations to him for his exertions upon the 
occasion. Captain Beckwith, who was extremely serviceable to me, returns with his 
Lordship. His spirited conduct in the attack of Fort Griswold does him great honor, 
being one of the first officers who entered the works. I beg leave to refer your Excel- 
lency to him for the particulars of our operations on that side, and to say I have the 
highest opinion of his abilities as an officer. 

I am greatly indebted to Capt. Stapleton, (who acted as Major of Brigade,) for his 
spirited conduct and assistance; in particular, on the attack upon Fort Trumbull, and 
his endeavors to prevent plundering, (when the public stores were burnt,) and the de- 
struction of private buildings. The officers and troops in general behaved with the 
greatest intrepidity and firmness. 

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, 

Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant, 

B. ARNOLD. 

Return of the killed and wounded: — 1 Major, 1 Ensign, 2 Sergeants, 44 Rank and 
File, killed. 

1 Lieut. Colonel, 3 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Ensigns, 8 Sergeants, 2 Drummers, 
127 Rank and File, wounded. 

Of the wounded officers, one Captain, one Lieutenant, and one Ensign, are since 
dead. John Stapleton. 

From the Connecticut Gazette, No. 934, (New London,) October 5, 1781. 

Extract of a Letter from Lieut. Colonel Upham, to his Excellency 
Governor Franklin, dated Fort Franklin, Sept. 13, 1781 : 

"Immediately on the receipt of yours by Capt. Camp, I made every preparation con- 
sistent with the necessary secrecy, to furnish as many Refugees for the proposed ex- 
pedition as could be spared from the garrison. My first care was to put a supply of 
provisons on board the vessels. I talked of an expedition and proposed to go my- 
self, nor could I do more until the fleet appeared in sight. Major Hubbel was too un- 
well to go with me; I therefore left him to take charge of the Fort, and, with as much 
dispatch as possible, embarked one hundred Loyalists, exclusive of a sufficient num- 
ber to man the two armed sloops. With these we joined the fleet in season to prevent 
the least delay. By the enclosed arrangement, you will see we had the honor to be 
included in the first division, and I have the pleasure to add we were first on shore. 
We advanced on the right of the whole to a height at a small distance from the shore, 



"218 NEW LONDON. 

where we were ordered to cover the 38th Regiment from a wood on our right, until 
the second division came up. We were th •'• to change oar position from the 

right to the left, al the distance of two hui d from the main body. This al- 

teration derived its propriety from the cir of the Rebels having gone over 

to the left, from an apprehension of being too much crowded between our troops and 
the liver on their right. Thus arranged we proceeded to the town of New London, 
constantly skirmishing with rebels, who fled from hill to hill, and stone fences which 
intersected the country al small distances. Having reached the southerly part of the 
town, the Genei.il r tquested me to take possession of the hill north of the Meeting 
House, where the rebels had collected, and which they seemed resolved to hold. We 
made a circle to the left, and soon gained the ground in contest. Here we had one 
man killed ami one wounded. This height being the outpost, was -left to us and the 
Yagers. Here we remained exposed to a constant fire from the rebels on the neigh- 
boring hills, and from the fort on the Groton side, until the last was carried by the Brit- 
ish troops. 

" Yv r e took the same route in our return as in going up, equally exposed though not 
so much annoyed. Every thing required was cheerfully undertaken, and spiritedly 
effected, by the party 1 had the honor to command. A small party from V'analstine's 
post joined us, which increased my command to 120. They landed and returned 
with us, and behaved exceedingly well. The armed vessels Association and Colonel 
Martin, went close into the shore, and covered the landing on the New London side. 
At the request of the General, I furnished boats to land forty of the troops on the Gro- 
ton side. Captains Gardner and Thomas would gladly have gone up to the town, but 
were not permitted." 

The following is from tlie New London Gazette, January 4, 17S2. 

" Last Friday died at Groton, Mr. Carey Leeds, of fever, which he 
took from Mr. Daniel Eldridge, a neighbor and friend of his, that died 
the 1st instant, who with one hundred and thirty men were landed here 
on the 3d ult. from New York, in a most deplorable situation ; a great 
part of them have since died, and those of them that have survived, 
are in such a debilitated state that they will drag out a miserable exist- 
ence. Numbers in this unhappy town and Groton have lost their lives 
by taking them in, and great numbers of others have been brought to 
the gates of death, and still lie in a languishing condition. It is enough 
to melt the most obdurate heart of any one, (except a Briton,) to see 
these miserable objects continually landing here from every flag that 
comes; see them poured out upon desolated wharves, sick and dying, 
and the few rags they have on covered with vermin and their own ex- 
crements In short, if their is no redress for this 

intolerable evil, this town and Groton must be depopulated." 

After the close of the Revolutionary war in 1783, the General Assem- 
bly appointed a committee to estimate the damages sustained by the 
several towns in the state that had been ravaged by the enemy during 
the war. The damages sustained by New London were estimated by 
the committee at $485,980. To compensate the sufferers in this, 
and the other towns, the General Assembly, in May, 1793, granted 
them 500,000 acres of the tract of land reserved by Connecticut, at 
their cession of lands to the United States, lying south of the western 
part of Lake Erie, being what are now called " the Fire lands," in the 
western part of the Western Reserve, in the state of Ohio. 

During the late war New London was the theater of hostile indica- 
tions. A squadron under the command of Commodore Hardy having 
driven two of our frigates under the command of Commodore Decatur 
into the harbor, blockaded it for a considerable time. The concentra- 
tion of a considerable force of the enemy at this place, produced con- 



NEW LONDON. 279 

siderable alarm, and a large body of militia, drafted from different parts 
of the state, were kept here to repel any attack from the enemy. Be- 
sides the militia, a considerable body of United States troops were sta- 
tioned here. The forts were strongly garrisoned, and the British made 
no attempt upon the place. 



About the year 1720, a sect arose in New London, called, from their 
leader, Rogerenes. The following account of this people is from Dr. 
Trumbull's History of Connecticut, second volume. 

" The Rogerenes were a sort of Quakers, who had their origin and name from one 
John Rogers of New London. He was a man of unbounded ambition, and wished 
to be something more than common men. One Case and <me Banks, two lewd men, 
called singing Quakers, coming through the colony singing and dancing, accompanied 
with a number of women to assist them in their musical exercises; and especially to 
proclaim how their lips dropped with myrrh and honey, fell in company with John, 
and at once made a convert of him to their religion. He, in a high degree imbibed 
their spirit, and ever retained it. Notwithstanding, it was not long after, before he 
commenced a seventh day Baptist. Alter maintaining the opinion of this sect for 
a short time, he returned again to Quakerism. To gratify his pride, and that he 
might appear as the head of a peculiai sect, he differed in several points from the 
Quakers. Particularly he maintained that there were three ordinances of religious 
use, baptism, the Lord's supper, and imposition of hands. To make himself more 
eminent, as the head of a new sect, he commenced preacher of his peculiar scheme, 
and without any kind of ordination, administered baptism to his followers. The 
madness, immodesty, ami tumultuous conduct of Rogers and those who followed him, 
at this day, is hardly conceivable. It seemed to be their study and'delight to violate 
the Sabbath, insult magistrates and ministers, and to trample on all law and authority, 
human and divine. They would come on the Lord's day, into the most public as- 
semblies nearly or quite naked, and in the time of public worship, behave in a wild 
and tumultuous manner, crying out, and charging the most venerable ministers with 
lies and false doctrine. They would labor upon the Lord's day, drive carts by places 
of public worship, and from town to town, apparently on purpose to disturb Christians 
and Christian assemblies. They seemed to take pains to violate the laws in the pre- 
sence of officers, that they might be complained of, and have an opportunity to insult 
the laws, the courts, and all civil authority. 

A particular instance of their conduct on a certain occasion, when Rogers was in- 
dicted for a high misdemeanor, may serve as a specimen of their spirit and conduct 
in general. The crime for which he was indicted, and the manner of his own and 
his followers' conduct, will appear from the following extract from Pratt's Historical 
Account of Quakerism. 

' It was his manner to rush into the assembly on the Lord's day, in the time of God's 
worship, in a very boisterous way, and to charge the minister with lies and false doc- 
trine ; and to scream, shout, stamp, &c. by which he offered insufferable molestations 
to the worship and people of God. And this was his manner in the court also, when 
he pleased, or had a mind to make himself sport, and he would laugh at it when he 
had done until his sides shook. 

' I saw him once brought to court for such a disturbance, committed on the Sabbath. 
He had contrived the matter so as to be just without the door when he was called to 
answer; upon which he rushed into court with a prodigious noise ; his features and 
gestures expressed more fury than I ever saw in a distracted person of any sort, and I 
soberly think, that if a legion of devils had pushed him in headlong, his entrance had 
not been more horrid and ghastly, nor have seemed more preternatural. 

1 When he came to the bar, he demanded of the court what their business was with 
him 1 The indictment was ordered to be read. To this he pleaded not guilty, after a 
new mode ; for as the clerk read, sometimes at the end of a sentence, and sometimes 
at the beginning, he would cry out, That's a cursed lie; and anon. That's a devilish 
lie ; till at length a number of his followers, of both sexes, tuned their pipes, and 
screamed, roared, shouted and stamped to that degree of noise, that it was impossible 
to hear the clerk read.' 

He professed to be a most holy man, guided in all his conversation by the Holy 
Ghost, so that, for the course of twenty years, he had lived without the commission of 
one sin. Yet he was almost constantly committing such gross offenses. He was 
divorced from an amiable wife for fornication and supposed beastiality. The latter 



280 NEW LONDON. 

he often confessed out of court. When he had occasion, he took to his bed a maid 
■whom he had purchased, and after she had borne him two children, he put her away. 
He suffered a long imprisonment, upon a strong suspicion that he was an accomplice 
in burning the meeting-house in New London. He once sat upon the gallows upon a 
conviction of blasphemy. For these and the like instances, he and his followers suf- 
fered the penalties of the law; but for his religion, neither he nor his followers suffered 
any thing, any further than it led them to such misdemeanors as are punishable by the 
laws of all Christian nations." 

Many anecdotes are related concerning this singular people, one of 
which is the following. Among other violations of law and order by 
the Rogerenes, they took to themselves wives without complying with 
the requirements of law and decency. " One day as Gov. Saltonstall 
was sitting in his room smoking his pipe, a man by the name of Gorton, 
with a woman, came in, and addressing the Governor, said, 'sir, I have 
married this woman, and that too, without the authority of your magis- 
trates and ministers.' The Governor turned round, took the pipe out 
of his mouth, and in a stern voice said, 'Gorton, have you taken this 
woman for your wife ?' Gorton replied, ' yes, I have.' The Gov- 
ernor turned to the woman, and enquired, ' madam, have you taken this 
man for your husband ?' She replied, ' Indeed, sir, I have.' 'Well, 
then,' said the Governor, ' by authority of, and according to the laws 
of Connecticut, I pronounce you lawfully wedded, husband and wife.' 
Gorton was astonished, and after a pause replied, ' Thou art a cunning 
creature,." 1 " 

It is said to be contrary to the tenets of the Rogerenes to employ 
physicians, or to use medicines in case of sickness. The following 
method of preserving a clear conscience in this respect, is related upon 
good authority. " A number of these people were afflicted with a cer- 
tain cutaneous disorder, and their principles forbidding them the use of 
medicines, they were at a loss what to do. After deliberating upon the 
subject, they came to the conclusion that this disorder, (or whatever 
else it might be called,) could not come under the head of bodily in- 
firmity. It was determined that the Itch might be considered as a 
noxious animal, which they might innocently destroy. They accord- 
ingly made use of the usual remedies found efficacious for this disorder." 

A considerable number of the descendants of the Rogerenes still 
reside in Groton, New London and its vicinity. Many years since, a 
person by the name of Watrous, one of this sect, wrote and published 
a book, called " The Battle Axe." Such was the nature of this publi- 
cation, that he could find no printer who was willing to print it. De- 
termined however that his book should be published, Watrous procured 
a printing press and types, and printed the work himself. This book 
is said to be a curiosity, from the nature of the work, and from the 
typographical execution. So little faith have this people in other de- 
nominations of Christians around them, that quite recently they would 
not suffer any of their people to assist, as carpenters, or otherwise, in 
the construction of a new church, lately erected in New London. 



Jedediah Huntington, a general in the army of the Revolution, al- 
though a native of Norwich, was long a resident of New London. He 



NEW LON I) N 



281 



died in 1818, in bis 7Gth year, having survived every general officer of 
the Revolution, except Gen. Stark, the hero of Bennington. He was 
educated at Harvard University, where he was graduated in 1763. He 
settled in his native town as a merchant, but at the commencement of 
the Revolution he entered the American army as colonel of a regiment. 
His intelligence, bravery and fidelity as an officer, secured to him the 
respect and gratitude of his country, and the attachment and lasting 
confidence of Washington. He continued in the service through the 
war, and attained to the rank of a general officer. In 1788, he was 
appointed treasurer of Connecticut, and was a member of the convention 
ot the state which ratified the federal constitution. On the organization 
of the general government, he was appointed by Washington collector 
of the port of New London, the duties of which office he discharged to 
the entire satisfaction of the public and the government, during a period 
embracing four successive administrations. General Huntington be- 
came a professor of religion when young, and was distinguished for the 
excellence of his private character. He was one of the first members 
of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and held 
the office till his death. 




Judge Brainard's Monument. 

The Hon. Jeremiah G. Brainard, a judge of the superior court, was 
a resident of this town. He was born at East Haddam, educated at 
Yale College, and commenced the practice of law in New London in 
early life. He was esteemed an able and faithful lawyer, a worthy 
man, and good judge. He died at New London, January 14th, 1830, 
in the 70th year of his age. His son, John G. C. Brainard, was dis- 
tinguished for bis poetic genius. He was educated for the bar, but not 
finding the success he wished, he went to Hartford in 1822, and took 
the editorial charge of the Connecticut Mirror; he was thus occupied 
until about a year before his death, when marked by evident symptoms 
as a victim to the consumption, he returned to the paternal roof, where, 
sensible of his approaching dissolution, he embraced the Christian hope, 
and died September 26th, 1828, aged 32 years. 

The above is a representation of the monument of Judge Brainard 
and his son John G. C. Brainard. Judge Brainard's monument is con- 

36 



282 



N E W LONDON. 



structed of granite, and is perhaps one of the best models for a monu- 
ment that could be devised, combining simplicity with durability. It is 
situated in the new burying "round, which is on elevated "round, de- 
scending towards the city, the central part of which is but a few rods 
distant. It commands a fine view of the harbor and the surrounding 
scenery. 




Bishop iScabury's Monument. 

The following is the inscription on Bishop Seabury's monument. 

Here lyeth the body of Samuel Seabuht, D. D. Bishop of Connecticut and Rhode 
Island, who departed from this transitory scene, February 25lh, Anno Domini 1796, in 
the 68th year of his age, and the liith of his Episcopal consecration. 

Ingenious without pride, learned without pedantry, good without severity, he was 
duly qualified to discharge the duties of the Christian and the Bishop. In the pulpit 
he enforced Religion ; in his conduct he exemplified it. The poor he assisted with 
his charity; the ignorant he blessed with his instruction. The friend of men, he ever 
designed their good; the enemy of vice, he ever opposed it. Christian! dost thou as- 
pire to happiness 1 Seabury has shown the way that leads to it. 

The ancient burying ground in New London is situated in the north 
part of the city, a short distance from the river, on elevated ground, 
immediately back of the houses. The first meeting house and court 
house erected in New London were near this spot. Among the inscrip- 
tions on the ancient monuments is the following. 

" An epitaph on Captaine Richard Lord,* deceased May 17, 1662. JEtatis svae 51. 
.... bright starre ok ovr chivallrie lyes here 
to the state a covnstllovr fvll deare 
And to ye trvth a friend of sweete content 
To Hartford towne a silver ornament 
Who can deny to poore he was releife 
And in composing paroxyies he was cheipe 
To MARCHANTES as a patterne he might stand 

ADVENTRING DANCERS NEW UY SEA AND LAND." 

This inscription is on a slab of red sandstone upwards of five feet long 
and three wide, probably obtained near Middletown and transported 
here by water ; it is now broken in two and nearly imbedded in the 
earth, in the northern part of the burying ground, near the tomb of the 

* In Dr. Trumbull's History of Connecticut, Vol. i. the name of Richard Lord ap- 
pears as one of the body corporate, to whom king < 'limits granted the charter of Con- 
necticut. The charier was given April '20, 1662. about a month previous to the death 
of Capt. Lord. "At a general court in Hartford, March 11th, 1658, a troop of thirty 
horsemen was established in Connecticut, and Richard Lord was appointed captain. 
This was the first in the colony.'' 



NEW LONDON. 



283 



Winthrops. The lettering on this stone has suffered so much from the 
hand of time, that it is with difficulty that some parts of it can now be 
deciphered. 




South view of the Hempstead House, New London. 

This house is 48 feet in front by 20. It is one of the three ancient 
houses which still remain. It was built and first occupied by Sir Rob- 
ert Hempstead, and being entailed property has ever remained in pos- 
session of his descendants : it is now in possession of Mr. Joshua Hemp- 
stead, the seventh generation from Sir Robert. This house was for- 
merly fortified for defense against the Indians. It is about forty rods 
west of the present court house. The first vessel that sailed for the 
West Indies from New London, sailed from the cove within twenty 
rods of this house. 

The first settlement of the town appears to have been commenced on 
what was called Cape Ann street. The last house built by the first 
settlers stood on this street ; it was taken down about twelve years 
since : it was about half a mile west of the present court house. The 
first meeting house in New London was erected very near the present 
alms house. Gov. Winthrop's residence was at the head of the cove, 
at the north end of the city. 

The first printing press in Connecticut was established in New Lon- 
don, forty five years before printing was executed in any other place in 
the colony. The first printer was Thomas Short, who came to New 
London about the year 1709. He printed the Say brook Platform 
(which is said to be the first book printed in Connecticut) in 1710, and 
soon after died. In 1713, there was no printer in the colony ; and a 
great proportion of the laws were only in manuscript. The Assembly 
determined on revising and printing the laws, and desired the governor 
and council to procure a printer to settle in the colony. The council ob- 
tained Mr. Timothy Green, a descendant of Mr. Samuel Green of Cam- 
bridge in Massachusetts, the first printer in North America. The Assem- 
bly, for his encouragement, agreed that he should be printer to the gov- 
ernor and company, and that he should have fifty pounds, the salary of 



284 



NEW LONDON 



the deputy governor, annually. He was obliged to print the election 
sermon, the proclamations for fasts and thanksgivings, and the laws 
which were enacted at the several sessions of the assembly. In 1714, 
he came into Connecticut, and fixed his residence at New London. He 
and his descendants were printers to the state till after the Revolution- 
ary war. 

The second newspaper printed in Connecticut, the " New London 
Summary," was commenced at New London, on the 8th of August, 
1758, by Timothy Green, and discontinued in consequence of the death 
of Mr. Green, in 1763. The "Summary" was succeeded Nov. 1st, 
1763, by the " New London Gazette," (altered in 1773, to the " Con- 
necticut Gazette,") which is still continued, and is the oldest newspaper 
in the state. The Gazette is printed and published at the present time by 
Col. Samuel Green, a descendant from the ancient printers of the colony. 



The following copy of a letter from the Hon. John Winthrop, Esq. 
of New London, to the Rev. Dr. Mather of Boston, is taken from the 
second volume of Massachusetts Historical Collections. 

New London, September 12, 1717. 

Sir — Being: from home the last post day, when your letter arrived here, 1 am now 
to thank yon for it, and to make answer to what yon demand of me. The observations 
I made of the prodigious storms of snow, in the doleful winter past, are many. But 
I shall mention but two at this time, and they are these. That the snow spangles 
which fell on the earth, appeared in large sexangular forms. S u nivem sex radia- 
tam ; et stellas has niveas observavi prout astrolog i vulgo adspecium deping u v,l $t xti- 
lem. The other is, that, among the small flock of sheep, that 1 daily fold in this dis- 
tant part of the wilderness, (for I am a poor shepherd.) to secure them from the wild 
rapacious quadrupeds of the forest; alter the unusual and unheard of snows, the 
aforesaid animals from the upland parts of the country, were, in great numbers forced 
down to the sea side among us, for substance, where they nestled, kenneled and bur- 
roughed in the thick swamps of these ample pastures, nightly visiting the pens and 
yards for their necessity. * * * * The storm continued so long and severe, 
that multitudes of all sorts of creatines perished in the snow drifts. We lost at the 
island and farms, above eleven hundred sheep, besides some cattle and horses, interred 
in the snow. And it was very strange that twenty eight days after the storm, the 
tenants of Fisher's Island, pulling out the ruins of one hundred sheep out of one 
snow bank in a valley, (where the snow had drifted over them sixteen feet,) found 
two of them alive in the drift, which had lain on them all that time, and kept them- 
selves alive by eating the wool off the others, that lay dead by them. As soon as they 
were taken out of the drift they shed their own fleeces and are now alive and fat ; and 
I saw them at the island the last week, and they are at your service. 

The storm had its effect also on the ocean : The sea was in a mighty ferment, and 
after it was over, vast heaps of the enclosed shells came ashore, in places where there 
had never been any of the sort before. Neptune with his trident, also, drove in great 
schools of porpoises, so that the harbor and river seemed to be full of them ; but none 
of these came on shore, but kept a play day among the disturbed waves. As for the 
golden fleece — the hider and his partner intended to settle in your town after they had 
made a few more wreck voyages, and have comeback undiscovered like trading men, 
as I was told by my author. And as to mv informer, he was always plotting and con- 
triving how to accomplish your business without discovering it to any more; but he was 
so needy that I believe he had never so much money together to carry him down, and 
keep him there any time for the purpose: and a lew weeks before he died, he was 
proposing to me for a new trial and discovery of the thing. Sir, what I know about 
it I have truly, faithfully, and ingeniously communicated to you, and hope, by some 
means or other, you may iu time be the belter for it. 1 think you for your publications. 
1 have mentioned to my honest neighbor Timothy the reprinting them, without men- 
tioning yourname in the matter, encouraging hi in to the work, by the quick vent of so 
large a number of the first impression. 

I have given a dose of your febrifugium to one of the town, which I hope, has 
cured him of a malignant fever, and is an excellent remedy ob dolorem licnis. I am 



NEW LONDON 



285 



indebted for your mentioning my name inter F. R. S.* at Gresham ; I am an obscure 
person, less than the poorest of your servants, and not fit to stand before princes, but 
am contented to lie hid among the retired philosophers. 

I am &c. John Winthrop. 

To the Rev. Doctor Cotton Mather. 



Answers to several of the queries proposed by the officers of the 
British government, (1774,) relative to New London. 

Answer 1. The latitude of New London, the best harbor in Connecticut, is. by ob- 
servation, 41° 25' north, and longitude 4° 45' west from London, that is, 71° 15' west 
from London, by observation of the eclipses of the moon, calculated by Halley's 
tables. 

5. New London, as above, is one of the principal harbors, and opens to the south ; 
and from the light-house at the mouth of the harbor to the town is about three miles, 
and a breadth of three fourths of a mile and more in some places, from five to six 
fathoms water, a clear bottom, tough ooze, and entirely secure and commodious 
one mile above the town for large ships. 

7. The principal trade of this government is to the West India Islands, excepting 
now and then a vessel to Ireland with flax-seed, and to England with lumber and pot 
ashes, and a few to Gibraltar and Barbary. There are 72 sail of vessels now belonging 
to this district, amounting to 3,247 tons, in which there are 406 seafaring men employed, 
besides upwards of twenty sail of coasting vessels, that employ about ninety seamen. 
On comparing, the trade is on the decrease ; for in the year 17G3, there were seventy 
nine sail of vessels belonging to this district, a difference of seven sail. 

8. It is impossible to enumerate the various sorts of British manufactures that are 
here imported ; but in general almost every sort is consumed here; which we have 
principally from New York, and Boston, to "the amount, upon a medium, from the best 
information I can get, of 150,000/. or 160,000/. sterling per annum. 

9. Besides the English islands, (which supply this government with more than its 
home consumption of rum and sugar,) it has a trade with the French and Dutch 
"West Indies, Gibraltar and Barbary. Those vessels that go to the French and Dutch 
plantations carry horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, provisions and lumber; those for Gibral- 
tar and Barbary carry flour, lumber, New England rum, and stores for muling, the 
whole annual amount of which, (I should think,) about 50,000/. sterling; for which 
we receive molasses, cocoa, cotton, and some sugar, and from the Dutch plantations 
bills of exchange; and the mules from Barbary are generally sold in the West Indies 
for bills of exchange, the most of which importation and bills goes to New York and 
Boston to pay for the British goods this government receives from those places. 

10. The custom house officers here are attentive to their duty, besides which, this 
harbor is so situated, that the coming in from the sea is between the east end of Long 
Island and Block Island, and by the west end of Fisher's Island, where the king's 
cruisers are generally upon the look out, and very critical in examining the vessels 
they meet with. 

11. The natural produce of this country is timber, iron and copper ore, myrtle wax, 
&c. The produce and staple commodities are Indian corn, wheat, rye, beef, pork, 
flax, flax-seed, oats, beans, peas, potatoes, cheese, cider, apples, &c. which articles are 
carried in the coasting vessels to New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Virginia and Caro- 
lina, to what value is very difficult to determine ; but I should think to at least 20,000/. 
sterling, which, with the 50,000/. sterling in the foreign trade, makes, on this estima- 
tion, the annual amount of exportation from this district 70,000/. sterling. It is evident 
the whole falls short of paying for the British manufactures we receive, as many of 
our traders have failed, and the New Yorkers have taken their landed interest in this 
colony in payments to a very considerable amount. The chief manufactures are pot 
and pearl ashes, bar iron, and necessary implements for husbandry, &c. 



EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. 

From the Connecticut Gazette, July 10/A, 1762. 

We hear from New London, that on Thursday se'nnight died there Mr. Ebenczer 

Bolles of that town, trader, esteemed a very honest and hospitable man. He has left 

one child, a daughter, of about seventeen years of age ; and an estate of about five 

thousand pounds lawful money. The occasion of his death Mas as follows, — a few 

* This appointment afterwards took place. 



286 



NEW LONDON, 



days before, he had been cutting some vines or bushes which were of a nox quality, 
whereby he was poisoned, and his body swelled to a great degree; but being of the 
sect called by the name of Rogerenes, who forbid the use of means in sickness, he 
would neither allow a physician to be near him, nor the most simple medicine admin- 
istered. Just before he expired, when in great pain, he seemed desirous of some help, 
but the brethren and sisters of that profession would not allow it, lest he should deny 
the faith. 



New London Gazette, No. 1, Nov. 18th, 17C3. 
Printed by Timothy Green, at the Printing office, late in the occupation of Mr. 

Timothy Green deceased N. B. The business of Copper plate printing 

and Book binding is performed by said Green. 



New London Gazette, No. 161, December 12, 1766. 
The paper on which this Gazette is printed, was manufactured at Norwich — a proof 
that this colony can furnish itself with one very considerable article which has here- 
tofore carried thousands of pounds out of it. This should excite every lover of his 
country, to promote as much as possible this laudable undertaking, by saving all their 
linen rags. 



New London Gazette, No. 160, Dec. 5, 1766. 
"We hear from Middletown, that on the 21st inst. the Hartford fleet arrived there, 
consisting of two sloops and a scow, conveyed by a batteau from Springfield. The 
fleet was separated in the night of the 18th, by a sudden squall, which took them as 
they opened a small brook, and occasioned much damage ; one man bruised his finger 
cutting away a thowl pin on board the convoy, but is likely to recover. The convoy 
was obliged to bear away for Wingham, and by the help of jury masts, reached her 
port, where she is refitting ; and it is thought she will be able to put to sea in a fort- 
night. One of the fleet struck upon a mud turtle, but happily no lives were lost. The 
scow came to anchor and rode out the storm. The same day arrived two scows from 
the other side of the river, with sand, after a fine passage of half an hour, the people 
all well on board. 



New London, Con. Jour. Sept. 272A, 1771. 
About three or four years ago a few Mackerel were discovered to be in New Lon- 
don Harbor and River, tho' chiefly very small, which have every year since been in- 
creasing, both in size arftl in quantity : — and such a plenty has there been of those val- 
uable fish the present year, as that from forty to seventy boats have been daily em- 
ployed below the town in catching them. And by the best computation that can be 
made about 300 barrels have already been caught in this season, from the first of Au- 
gust to the present time, nearly equal in size to those of Boston Bay. Last Tuesday 
six barrels of those fish were drawn in a seine at Norwich Landing. 



From the Connecticut Gazette. No. 765, July 10, 1778. 
About three weeks ago, Mr. Robert Sheffield of Stonington, made his escape from 
New York, after a short confinement on board a prison ship. After this young gen- 
tleman was taken, he with his crew, 10 in number, were put into irons and thrust into 
the forepeak ; on their arrival at New York, they were carried on board a prison ship 
and to the hatchways, on opening of which tell not of Pandora's box, for that must 
be compared to this, an alabaster box, in comparison to the opening of these hatches. 
True there were gratings, but they kept their boat upon them. The steam of the 
hold was enough to scald the skin, and take away the breath — the stench enough to 
poison the air all around. On his descending these dreary mansions of woe, and 
beholding the numerous spectacles of wretchedness and despair, his soul fainted 
within him. A little epitome of hell — about 350 men confined between deck, of 
which about one half were Frenchmen : and he informed that there were three more 
of these vehicles of contagion, which contained the like number of miserable French- 
men also, who are treated if possible worse than Americans. The heat so intense, 
(the hot sun shining all day on deck,) that they were all naked, which also served 
the well to get rid of the vermin, but the sick were eaten up alive. Their sickly 
countenances and ghastly looks were truly horrible ; some swearing and blaspheming ; 
some crying, praying, and wringing their hands, and stalking about like ghosts and 
apparitions ; others delirious and void of reason, raving and storming; some groaning 
and dying — all panting for breath ; some dead and corrupting. The air was so foul 
at times that a lamp could not be kept burning, by reason of which the boys were not 
missed till they had been dead 10 days. One person only is admitted on deck at a 



NEW LONDON. 287 

time after sun-set, which necessarily occasions much filth to run into the hold, and 
mingle with the bilge water, which to his certain knowledge had not been pumped 
out "while he continued on board; notwithstanding the decks were leaky, and the 
prisoners begged for permission to let in fresh water and pump it out again ; but all 
in vain, their hearts are callous and dead to their cries, prayers and entreaties; five 
or six died every day Mr. Sheffield was on board. He was only six days on board, 
and three of his people died in that short time. He was sent for on shore to attend as 
evidence at the Court of Admiralty for condemnation of his vessel, and happily made 
his escape from the horridest of deaths. He was informed in New York, that the 
fresh meat sent in to the prisoners by our commissary, was taken by the men of war for 
their own use. This he can say, that he did not see any on board the ship he was in ; 
but acknowledged that they were well supplied with soft bread from our commissary 
on shore. But the provision, (be what it will,) is not the complaint. Fresh air and 
fresh water, God's free gift, is all their cry. 

New London, August ISth, 1779. 
We hear from Saybrook, that a boat lately returning into Connecticut river, from 
Long Island, where she had been on an illicit trade, was stopped by the fort at Say- 
brook, when a quantity of goods were taken out of the boat, and lodged in the custody 
of one Mr. Tully, an officer of the fort, who stored them in his dwelling house; and 
on Sunday night, 8th instant, eight men broke into the house with a view of carry- 
ing otf the goods; on which the officer fired on them, killed two at the first shot, and 
wounded another with a bayonet. On this the others made off, carrying the wounded 
man with them. — A learning to this kind of gentry. 



New London, November 11th, 1781. 

Last Saturday evening a flag of truce returned here from New York, and bro't 132 
American prisoners, among them are Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq. and Lieut Jabez Stow, 
on parole, with the remainder of the prisoners who were captivated and carried off 
from New London and Groton by Benedict Arnold's burning party : But the prisoners 
are chiefly from the prison ship, and are mostly sick. 

Captain Jonathan Budington, jun. late of the Brig Favorite, Mr. George Worthy- 
lake, and Daniel Shapley, (son of Capt. Adam Shapley,) all of this town, lately died 
on board the prison ship"; and Mr. John Monroe, of this town died on board the flag 
the night it arrived. 



New London, July 1, 1785, (923.) 
Tuesday evening was tried before the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting here, a 
cause brought by a Mrs. Eggleston of Stonington, against one Reuben Rathbun, an 
exhorter among the people called the Shaking Quakers, for defaming her, by uttering 
sundry expressions of and concerning her, at a public meeting in Stonington. After 
a full hearing, the Jury retired, and in about an hour returned with a verdict in favor 
of the plaintiff for £20 damage, and her cost. 

Connecticut Gazette, No. 1787. New London, February 7, 1798. 

John Kunkapot, a chief of the tribe of Oneida Indians, arrived here last week. We 
were informed by him, that he had been on a mission to the Mohegan tribe, being au- 
thorized to invite them to sell their lands in Montville, and move among the Oneidas, 
where they would be received as members of their tribe, without any reward. The 
Mohegans, excepting one or two who are very old, have determined to remove if they 
can obtain permission from the Legislature to sell their lands. 

The remnant of this once powerful tribe is reduced to about 200 souls. They pos- 
sess upwards of 5000 acres of land, the most of which is of an excellent quality, and 
cannot be alienated without permission from the State Legislature. 

From the Connecticut Gazette, No. 1504, {New London,) September 6, 1792. 

The trade and manufactures of this state, (says a correspondent,) have long strug- 
gled under the want of a capital proportioned to the industry and enterprise of its citi- 
zens; — that want may now be supplied by means of the banks established at New Lon- 
don and Hartford. Every useful occupation and every industrious citizen may be 
assisted with money, as circumstances may require and justify : but in order to carry 
the means of the bank into the fullest effect, their bills must circulate among all ranks 
of people freely as money: it behoves, therefore, every r well wisher to the prosperity 
of the community, to give credit to the notes of the bank. Although trade may more 
immediately, and in a more considerable degree, be benefitted by these institutions, 
yet every other branch of business will come in for a proportionable share ; a flourish- 



288 NEW LONDON. 

ing commerce dispenses blessings to all within the sphere of its operations, and adds 
to the value of the landed interests, as well as the articles in which it principally deals. 
The notes of the banks will be found more convenient tor a circulating medium, and 
may be kept by the mi tiers in greater safety, than hard money, and none need be ap- 
prehensive of any deception in them, as the promise on the face of them will be care- 
fully and punctually fulfilled. 



New London, Dec. 29, 1797. 
On Saturday las!, at 1 o'clock, P. M. a smart shock of an earthquake was felt in 
this city, accompanied with a report that broke upon the ear like the explosion of a 
heavy cannon at a short distance. The sound and motion continued but a few mo- 
ments. In the street near the meeting house in Norwich, two Assures, one or two 
inches wide, and several rods long, were made in the earth, within twenty rods of 
each other. 



New London, Sept. 5, 1798. 
At length our city, for so many years remarkable for salubrity of air and the health- 
iness of its inhabitants, is dressed in shrouds and sackcloth. A deleterious fever has 
prevailed here for about ten days ; the first victim to it was Capt. Elijah Bingham, 
whose death we mentioned in our last, together with three children — since which 
there have died twenty-one, sixteen of whom died by the fever. The contagion, if 
there be any, appears confined to Bank street, from the Market to Golden Hill street; 
those who have died either lived in, kept store, or were particularly connected in that 
street. 



Yellow Fever in New London. 

The following account of the yellow fever in this place, in 1798, is 
extracted from a pamphlet, written and printed at New London, by 
Charles Holt, immediately after the fever had subsided. 

On the 26th of August, (1798,) the inhabitants of New London were 
somewhat alarmed by the death of Capt. Elijah Bingham, keeper of 
the Union Coffee House, after an illness of but two or three days. His 
funeral was immediately attended, it being Sunday, by the Union Lodge 
of Free Masons, of which he was a member, and an unusual number of 
people, whom the solemnity of the ceremony and esteem for the deceas- 
ed drew together. It was, however, remarked at the time, that if the 
extreme hot weather continued, it would not be long before the burying 
ground would be so thronged again : and the remark was too fully veri- 
fied. Two days after, three persons in the neighborhood died of the 
same disease, which was soon ascertained to be the dreadful Yellow Fe- 
ver. The citizens now perceived their danger and removed from the 
infected part ; the corporation and civil authority left their posts, and 
a health committee, consisting of John Woodward, John Ingraham, 
James Baxter, and Ebenezer Holt, Jr. were appointed to attend the 
burial of the dead, the care of the sick, and relief of the indigent. The 
sickness rapidly increasing, the next week witnessed no less than twenty 
five deaths, among whom were some of the most respectable characters 
belonging to the city or state, and the wife, a son, and a daughter of 
the late Capt. Bingham, in the vicinity of whose house the contagion 
was yet principally confined. This very great mortality among so 
small a number of people, filled the citizens with consternation : the 
dead were interred with all possible speed, and without the least formal- 
ity, the hearse being commonly attended only by the sexton and two 
or three black assistants, one of whom died of the prevailing disease. 



NEW LONDON. 289 

Laying out the corpse, ornamenting the coffin and covering it with a 
pall, &.c. were generally dispensed with, every consideration giving 
way to the important duty of consulting the safety and convenience of 
the survivors. The country people naturally shunned the pestilential 
air of the devoted city, and the adjoining towns took measures for pre- 
venting our flying inhabitants from spreading the infection. 

From this period the progress of the disease was varied according to 
the favorable or unfavorable changes in the air, the effects of which 
were visibly perceived on the persons of the sick, and the number of 
new cases which occurred. That portion of the city where it first ap- 
peared being almost entirely abandoned, it gradually extended into most 
of the compact parts within the distance of an hundred rods; but de- 
creased in the violence of its symptoms and frequency of its attacks, as 
the season advanced, and by the 14th of October, it had so far abated 
that the citizens bejjan to return to their dwellings and resume their 
usual occupations. 

The mortality within the aforesaid limits, (viz. one hundred rods 
north and south from the market,) was equal to that among the same 
number of inhabitants, in any part of Philadelphia in the same length 
of time. In Bank street below the market, to the south corner of Gol- 
den-hill street, of those who did not remove from the spot, but two per- 
sons over twelve years of age escaped the infection. In this space, ex- 
cluding the buildings which were evacuated and the people who fled, are 
15 houses, shops and stores, in which lived or were employed 92 per- 
sons, of which 90 had the fever, 33 died, and 2 escaped entirely. The 
deaths above the market were not in so great proportion. By October 
28th, the fever had nearly disappeared after having in about eight weeks 
cut off 81 persons. 

" The weather for some weeks previous to the fever, was uncom- 
monly dry and warm, light breezes and calms had long prevailed, no 
rain had fallen for two months, vegetation was parched, wells were 
dried, and the crops within a few miles distance, were cut off. The 
mercury in Fahrenheit's thermometer frequently stood in the shade at 
96 degrees, and several times at 98, a height never before witnessed 
here ; and sea captains complained that they never felt so much incon- 
venience from the warmth in the West Indies." 

Dr. Webster, in his history of epidemic and pestilential diseases, 
(Vol. 1, 338, says, "considerable quantities of salted fish, which lay in 
certain stores, which had not been well cured with the usual quantity 
of salt, became fetid and offensive." This was opened and spread in 
the street where the disease first appeared. " It is probably true, (says 
he,) that the bad state of the fish was partly owing to a previous bad 
state of the air : although it afterwards became a cause of a worse state 
of air. What seems to put this beyond doubt, is the unusual number 
of musketoes, in the adjacent country, and multitudes of flies of un- 
common size, exceeding what had been before observed." 

" Early in the sickness all the physicians, but one who was too much 
indisposed to practice, and another, Dr. Rawson, who was violently 
attacked with the fever, deserted the city, excepting Dr. Samuel H. 

37 



290 NORWICH. 

P. Lee, to whose lot it fell alone and unassisted, to combat the fury of 

this dreadful pestilence such was the difficulty in procuring nurses 

and watchers, that some of our most opulent citizens were seen going 
from house to house with money in their hands, offering any price for 
assistance even for a single niidit in vain." 



New London, April 10, 1799. 
So long and severe a winter as the one hardly now past, has not been known in the 
memory of the oldest man living. Its injurious effects have been felt in a particular 
manner by the inhabitants of some of our neighboring towns. Pinched by the scar- 
city of fodder and the uncommon coldness of the weather, the cattle have died in 
abundance. Some farmers lust twenty head in a very short time. In Lyme it is sup- 
posed one fourth of the stock perished. Slonington has suffered in an "equal degree, 
and Montville and Colchester considerably, with the prospect of a still further loss. 



From the Connecticut Gazette, So. 1869, {Nero London) Sept. 4, 1799. 
This city during the summer now closed, has enjoyed its usual mild and salubrious 
atmosphere; and in many respects has the season been distinguished from the pesti- 
lential summer of 1798. In that summer, from the 28th of July to the 1st of Septem- 
ber, the heat was intense; the mercury in Fahrenheit's thermometer, placed in the 
open air, stood at mid-day from 86° to 93* with the exception of five days in which it 
stood at 82°, and one day at 78°, which was its greatest depression. There was only 
one thunder shower during this period. The earth being parehed under excessive 
droughts, vegetation failed early in August, and many trees shed their leaves. It was 
noticed that the air was remarkably unelastic, especially in that part of the city where 
the desolating sickness prevailed. Our usual fresh sonthwesters left us, and we had 
only very light winds in the day. Scarcely a day occurred for seven weeks, in which 
a person mi^ht not have carried a lighted candle through the streets. The nights, in 
gloomy succession, brought a deadly calm, attended with sultry heat. Such a seasoa 
as that of 1798, is not in the recollection of the oldest citizen. 



NORWICH. 



Norwich was first settled in 1660. During the wars between Un- 
cas and the Narragansetts, Uncas was closely besieged in his fort near 
the Thames, until his provisions became nearly exhausted and he with 
his men were on the point of perishing by famine or sword. Fortu- 
nately he found means of giving intelligence to the scouts who bad been 
sent out from Saybrook fort. By his messengers, he represented the 
great danger the English would be in, were the Narragansetts suffered 
to overpower the Mohegans. 

" Upon this intelligence, one Thomas Leffingwell, an ensign at Say- 
brook, an enterprising, bold man, loaded a canoe with beef, corn and 
peas, and under the cover of night paddled from Saybrook into the 
Thames, and had the address to get the whole into the fort. The en- 
emy soon perceiving that Uncas was relieved, raised the siege. For 
this service, Uncas gave Leffingwell a deed of a great part, if not the 
whole town of Norwich. In June, 1659, Uncas, with his two sons, 
Owaneko and Attawanhood, by a more formal and authentic deed, made 
over to said Leffingwell, John Mason, Esq., the Rev. James Fitch and 
others, consisting of thirty five proprietors, the whole of Norwich, which 
is about nine miles square. The company at this time gave Uncas and 



NORWICH. 291 

his sons about £70, as a further compensation, for so large and fine a 
tract."* 

In the spring of 1660, the Rev. James Fitch, with the principal part 
of his congregation, removed from Saybrook to Norwich, and began the 
settlement of the town. Three or four planters joined them from New 
London, and two or three from the towns of Plymouth and Marshfield, 
in Massachusetts. In 1663, the general court ordered that the deed 
should be recorded. The limits were afterwards ascertained, and the 
town received a patent of the whole. The southern boundary of Nor- 
wich did not meet Uncas' deed, the northern boundary of New London, 
by nearly three miles. This strip of land became a bone of contention 
between individual whites, and between the English and Mohegans, in- 
stigated by some of the disaffected English, in after years. It is now 
included in the first society in Montville, in the eastern part of what is 
now called Mohegan. 

"In 1697, the Rev. Gurdon Saltonstall, of New London, preached 
an election sermon at Hartford, and for his reward, the Legislature 
ceded to him some hundred acres at the west end of this strip. An- 
cient deeds mention being bounded by, or being a part of the Salton- 
stall land ; and some of the oldest men pretend to point out some of the 
old bounds, &.c. The first English house erected on this strip was in 
the days of George (?) Winthrop, after the Charter. It was of stone. 
The site is still visible, as also the well and old pear trees, said to be 
the descendants of the original stock, but by their antique appearance, 
they are very original. The house is said to have been the first Eng- 
lish house erected on the route, by land, through the wilderness from 
New London to Wethersfield. It was in the vicinity of Uncas' chief 
fortress, on Fort Hill, in Mohegan, about one mile and a half westerly. 
Many wonderful stories are related to this day about what happened to 
and near this house in days of old." The tract is now within the lim- 
its of Montville. 

" The Mohegans were a great defense, and of essential service to the 
town, for many years. They kept out their scouts and spies, and so 
constantly watched their enemies, that they gave the earliest notice of 
their approach, and were a continual defense against them. For this 
purpose, in times of danger they often moved and pitched their wig- 
wams near the town, and were a great terror to the enemy. Once the 
hostile Indians came near to the town upon the Sabbath, with a design 
to make a descent upon it ; but viewing it from an eminence, and see- 
ing the Mohegan huts, they were intimidated, and went off without do- 
ing the least damage." 

Norwich is now bounded n. by Franklin, e. by the Shelucket and 
Thames rivers, which separate it from Lisbon and Preston, s. by Mont- 
ville, and w. by Franklin and Bozrah. The township has an average 
length from north to south of 7 miles, with a medium breadth of about 
three miles. The surface of the town is diversified by hills and valleys ; 
the prevailing soil is a dark colored gravelly loam, generally strong and 
fertile. 

* Trumbull's History of Connecticut. 



292 



NORWICH 




Eastern view of the central pprt of the town of Norwich. 

The above is a representation of the Congregational church, the old 
Court House and Union Hotel, in the central part of the town of Nor- 
wich, about two miles northwest of Norwich city. There are perhaps 
about 200 houses, situated on a number of pleasant rural streets, within 
a short distance from the church. This part of Norwich is called the 
town. The old court house is the first building seen on the left of the 
engraving; it formerly stood on the green, in front of the meeting house. 
Within a year or two past, the courts have been held at Norwich city, 
and it is intended to use this building for a high school. Immediately 
back of the church rises a rocky eminence, from which is a fine pros- 
pect of the surrounding scenery. During the Revolutionary war, a 
powder house stood on the summit of this elevation, which contained a 
number of tons of gunpowder. The building, which was of wood, was 
set on fire; the whole quantity of powder exploded at once, and did 
considerable damage to the houses in the vicinity. The firing of this 
building was supposed to be the act of some person unfriendly to the 
American cause ; when first discovered, it was about the size of a hat 
crown. To attempt to put it out was deemed too hazardous an under- 
taking, until a colored man, induced by the offer of a considerable re- 
ward, made the attempt. As he was carrying up water to extinguish 
the flames, having gone about half way up the hill, the building blew 
up, leaving scarcely a single vestige to show where it stood; the col- 
ored man, however, was entirely unhurt. Westville, (formerly called 
Bean Hill,) is that section of Norwich, lying westward of the center, 
and is built principally on one street, the central part of which is about 
one mile westward of the Congregational church in the center. In this 
part of the town, about two miles west from the Congregational church, 
on the Yantic, where there is now a woolen factory, was formerly the 
site for iron works, at which Mr. Elijah Backus, a very ingenious me- 
chanic, manufactured a number of cannon for the Revolutionary army; 
this he effected by welding together pieces of iron. 



NORWICH. 293 

Norwich City is situated at the head of navigation of Thames river, 
at the point of land formed by the junction of the Shetucket and Yan- 
tic rivers, whose united waters constitute the Thames. The main part 
of the city is built on the southern declivity of a high and rocky hill : 
the houses are built in tiers, rising one above another. The city, as 
it is approached from the south, presents one of the most beautiful, in- 
teresting and romantic prospects in the state. The buildings, which 
are mostly painted white, appear in full view for a considerable dis- 
tance down the river ; these contrasted with the deep green foliage 
covering the rocky and elevated banks of the river, give a picturesque 
variety to the scene, forming on the water a delightful avenue to the 
city. There are in this city, (or, as it was formerly called, Chelsea or 
Norwich Landing,) 4 banks, a court house, and town hall. A high 
school for boys, and a female academy, in which the higher branches 
of education are taught, have been in operation for a considerable time, 
and are in flourishing circumstances. About a mile eastward of the 
Landing, is situated the flourishing village of Greenville, at the eastern 
extremity of which a dam has been constructed across the Shetucket, 
which will it is calculated furnish sufficient water power to carry 60,000 
spindles : four or five large factories, and perhaps 40 or 50 dwelling 
houses, are, or are about to be built. Among the factories there is 
perhaps the most extensive paper mill in the state, owned by the Chel- 
sea Manufacturing Company. There are also two other paper mills 
near the falls, which do an extensive business ; one of which is owned 
by Mr. A. H. Hubbard, the other by Mr. Russell Hubbard. Large 
quantities of paper are manufactured for the New York market. The 
first paper manufactured in Connecticut was made in this town, by Col. 
Christopher Leffingwell. There are, at and near the falls, 9 or 10 es- 
tablishments for manufacturing purposes. 

Besides these, and those at Greenville, there are some others in oth- 
er parts of the town. The principal manufactures are those of cotton, 
paper and woolens. It is believed that in respect to its water privi- 
leges, Norwich is considered to be the second town in New England. 
There are 8 houses of worship in the town — 3 for Congregationalists, 
2 for Methodists, 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, and I for Universalists. Nor- 
wich City is 13 miles n. of New London, 38 s. e. from Hartford, 38 
s. w. from Providence, and 50 n. e. from New Haven. Lat. 41° 34' ; 
long. 4° 55' east from Washington. The population of Norwich in 
1830 was 5,179; of which 3,144 were in the city limits. 

The following engraving shows the appearance of some of the principal 
manufacturing establishments at the falls of the Yantic, at the head of a 
cove which sets up about one mile from the Thames. Above the cove, 
" the bed of the river consists of a solid rock, having a perpendicular 
height of ten or twelve feet, over which the whole body of water falls 
in an entire sheet upon a bed of rocks below. The river here is com- 
pressed into a very narrow channel, the banks consisting of solid rocks, 
and being bold and elevated. For a distance of 15 or 20 rods, the 
channel or bed of the river has a gradual descent, and is crooked and 
covered with pointed rocks. The rock, forming the bed of the river at 



294 



NORWICH. 




»S. E. viae of the Factories at Yantic Falls. Norwich. 



the bottom of the perpendicular falls, is curiously excavated, some of 
the cavities being five or six feet deep, from the constant pouring of 
the sheet of water for a succession of ages." At the bottom of the 
falls there is the broad basin of the cove, where the enraged and agita- 
ted element resumes its usual smoothness and placidity, and the whole 
scenery about these falls is uncommonly beautiful and picturesque. A 
short distance north of the building represented in the engraving, on an 
elevated bank, on the northern edge of a grove, is the royal burying 
ground of the Uncases. It is in contemplation to erect a monument 
to the memory of Uncas at this place. The foundation stone is already 
laid. President Jackson in his tour to the New England states, assisted 
in the ceremony of laying it. A number of the monuments of the royal 
line of the Uncases are still remaining. The following are copied from 
those that remain : 

" Here lies ye bod}- of Pompi Uncas, son of Benjamin and Ann Uncas, and of ye 
royal blood, who died May ye first, 1740, in ye 21st year of his age." 

" Here lies Sam Uncas, the 2d and beloved son of his father, John Uncas, who was 
the grandson of Uncas, grand sachem of Mohegan, the darling of his mother, being 
daughter of said Uncas, grand sachem. He died July 31st, 1741, in the 28th year of 
his age." 

•• In memory of Elizabeth Joquib, the daughter of Mahomet, great grand child to 
ye first Uncas, great sachem of Mohegan, who died July ye 5th, 17j0, aged Do years.'' 

The following inscription is said to have been on a monument for- 
merly standing here in memory of Samuel Uncas : 

For beauty, wit, for sterling sense, 

mper mild, for eloque 
Forcoura : la, foi things waureegan,* 
He w as the glorj of Moheagan — 

■ death has caused great lamentation 
Both to ve English and ye Indian nation. 



* These lines are said to have been written by Dr. Tracy of Norwich. Waureegan 
signifies clothes, household furniture, &c. of a cosily description. 



NORWICH. 295 

cc In 1826, a descendant of Uncas, by the name of Ezekiel Mazeon, 
aged 27, was buried in Norwich in the Indian burying ground. The 
funeral was attended by the Rev. William Palmer, who made a short 
but appropriate address to the remnant of the tribe assembled on that 
occasion. After the funeral rites were performed, Mrs. Goddard, the 
wife of the Hon. Calvin Goddard, in whose immediate vicinity the bu- 
rial yard lies, (he being absent,) invited the tribe, a score or two, to 
partake of a collation." 

In the following year, 1S27, (says Dr. Holmes,) a discovery was 
made of Indian relics, too illustrative of Indian customs to be left un- 
noticed. A note of Mrs. Huntington, of Norwich, accompanying one 
of these relics, presented to me this year, (1828,) illustrates the entire 
subject. " If we admit Indian cemeteries as proofs of local partialities, 
w r e should judge that Norwich was a favorite residence of the ancient 
Mohegan tribe ; for their royal burying ground is in the center of the 
city. In the eastern border of their reserve is a fine stream, called 
Trading Cove brook, on which is the ' Shantup burying ground.' the 
largest of their nation. On the 16th of October, 1827, the Rev. Mr. 
Palmer of this city was invited to attend the funeral of an Indian child, 
which was to be deposited in that spot. In approaching the ground, 
the relics of two Indians, and also two spoons, were seen lying beside 
it. Expressing a wish to obtain them, Mr. P. received no immediate 
answer, until a youth of their company had whispered something in 
every ear, from the oldest to the youngest. At the close of the exer- 
cises, with great formality, the young Indian replied, ' Your request is 
granted.' In answer to the inquiry why two skeletons were found in 
the ground, an old woman replied, it was an Indian and Squaw ; and 
informed him farther, that according to their custom, the bodies were 
deposited in an upright position, within a circular grave, and a pot of 
succotash between them, the fragments of which were found. The 
decayed stump of a large tree covering the relics, indicated the an- 
tiquity of the grave." 

In the eastern part of this town is a place called Sachem's Plain. 
This spot is rendered memorable by the battle between Uncas and 
Miantonimoh, the sachem of the Narragansetts. The army of Mian- 
tonimoh was routed, he taken prisoner and afterwards executed and 
buried here. " He was buried on the spot where he was slain. But 
a kw years since a large heap of stones, thrown together by the wan- 
dering Indians according to the custom of their country, and as a mel- 
ancholy mark of the love the Narragansetts had for their fallen chief, 
lay on his grave ; but the despicable cupidity of some people in that 
vicinity, has removed them to make common stone wall, as it saved 
them the trouble of gathering stones for that purpose. The spot of 
his sepulture is, however, yet known."* 

The following account is taken from Dr. Trumbull's History of Con- 
necticut. 

* Third volume, third series Massachusetts Historical Collections, p. 135. 



296 norwic ii . 

"Miantonimoh, without consulting the English, according to agreement, without 
proclaiming war, or giving Uncas the least information, raised an army of nine hun- 
dred or a thousand men, and marched against him. Uncas's spies discovered the 
army at some distance and gave him intelligence. He was unprepared, but rallying 
between four and live hundred of his bravest men, he told them they must by no means 
suffer Miantonimoh to come into their town ; but must go and fight him on his way. 
Having marched three or four miles, the armies met upon a large plain. When they 
had advanced within fair bow shot of each other, Uncas had recourse to a stratagem, 
with which he had previously acquainted his warriors. He desired a parley, and 
both armies halted in the face of each other. Uncas gallantly advancing in the front 
of his men, addressed Miantonimoh to this effect, " You have a number of stout men 
with you, and so have I with me. It is a great pity that such brave warriors should 
be killed in a private quarrel between us only. Come like a man, as you profess to 
be, and let us fight it out. If you kill me, my men shall be yours ; but if 1 kill you, 
your men shall be mine." Miantonimoh replied, " My men came to fight, and ihey 
shall fight." Uncas falling instantly upon the ground, his men discharged a shower 
of arrows upon the Narragansetts ; and, without a moment's interval, rushing upon 
them in a furious manner, with their hideous Indian yell, put them immediately to 
flight. The Mohegans pursued the enemy with the same fury and eagerness with 
which they commenced the action. The Narragansetts were driven down rocks and 
precipices, and chased like a doe by the huntsman. Among others Miantonimoh was 
exceedingly pressed. Some of Uncas's bravest men, who !were most light of foot, 
coming up with him, twitched him back, impeding his flight, and passed him, that 
Uncas might take him. Uncas was a stout man, and rushing forward, like a lion 
greedy of his prey, seized him by his shoulder. He knew Uncas, and saw that he 
was now in the power of the man whom he had hated, and by all means attempted to 
destroy ; but he sat down sullen and spake not a word. Uncas gave the Indian whoop 
and called up his men, who were behind, to his assistance. The victory was complete. 
About thirty of the Narragansetts were slain, and a much greater number wounded. 
Among the latter was a brother of Miantonimoh and two sons of Canonicus, a chief 
sachem of the Narragansett Indians. The brother of Miantonimoh was not only 
wounded, but armed with a coat of mail, both which retarded his flight. Two of 
Miantonimoh's captains, who formerly were Uncas's men, but had treacherously de- 
serted him, discovering his situation, took him, and carried him to Uncas, expecting 
in this way to reconcile themselves to their sachem. But Uncas and his men slew 
them. Miantonimoh made no request either for himself or his men ; but continued 
in the same sullen, speechless mood. Uncas therefore demanded of him why he 
would not speak. Said he, " Had you taken me, I should have besought you for my 
life." Uncas, for the present, spared his life, though he would not ask it, and returned 
with great triumph to Mohegan, carrying the Narragansett sachem, as an illustrious 
trophy of his victory."* 

Uncas conducted Miantonimoh tc Hartford. Here bis mouth was 
opened, and he plead most earnestly to be left in the custody of the Eng- 
lish, probably expecting better treatment from them than from Uncas. 
He was accordingly kept under guard at Hartford, till the meeting of 
the commissioners at Boston. After an examination of the case, the 
commissioners resolved, " that as it was evident that Uncas could not 
be safe while Miantonimoh lived ; but that, either by secret treachery 
or open force, his life would be continually in danger, he might justly 
put such a false and bloodthirsty enemy to death." They determined 
it should be done out of the English jurisdiction. They advised Uncas 
that no torture or cruelty, but " all mercy and moderation be exer- 
cised in the manner of his execution." 

" Immediately upon the return of the commissioners of Connecticut 
and New Haven, Uncas with a competent number of his most trusty 

* This account is taken from a manuscript of Mr. Hide of Norwich, f mm Governor 
Winthrop's journal, and from the records of the United colonies, in one or other of 
which, all the facts are ascertained. The manuscript represents Miantonimoh as 
having 900, and Uncas GOO men. The records of the United colonies represent, that 
Miantonimoh had 000 or 1000 men, and that Uncas had not half so many. Governor 
Winthrop's account is essentially the same. 



n o it w icii. 297 

men, was ordered to repair forthwith to Hartford. He was made ac- 
quainted with the determination of the commissioners, and receiving 
his prisoner, marched with him to the spot where he had heen taken. 
At the instant they arrived on the ground, one of Uncas's men, who 
marched behind Miantonimoh, split his head with a hatchet, killing him 
at a single stroke. He was probably unacquainted with his fate, and 
knew not by what means he fell. Uncas cut out a large piece of his 
shoulder and ate it in savage triumph. He said, ' It was the sweetest 
meat he ever ate, it made his heart strong/ 

" The Mohegans, by the order of Uncas, buried him at the place of 
his execution, and erected a great heap or pillar upon his grave. ' This 
memorable event gave the place the name of Sachem's Plain. f Two 
Englishmen were sent with Uncas, to witness that the -execution was 
done, and to prevent all torture and cruelty in the manner of its per- 
formance. Connecticut and New Haven, agreeably to the direction of 
the commissioners, sent a party of soldiers to Mohegan, to defend 
Uncas against any assault which might be made upon him, by the Nar- 
ragansetts, in consequence of the execution of their sachem." 



The following is copied from a monument in the ancient burying 
ground in Norwich town. 

Here lyes inter'd ye remains of Den.cn. Christopher Huntington of Norwich, No- 
vember 1st, 1660, and ye first born of males in ye town. He served near 40 years in 
ye office of a deacon, and died April ye 24th, 1735, in ye 75th yr. of his age. Memen- 
to niori. 



The following are from the new yard in Norwich city. 

Joseph Kinney, son of Newcomb and Sally Kinney, entered the U. S. army a Lieu 
tenant at the commencement of the war with Gnat Britain, 1812. He was engaged 
in various skirmishes, besides six sanguinary battles; the last of which was at Lundy's 
Lane, Bridgewater, July 25th, 1814, where he was killed, commanding the 2d division 
of the 35th Regiment U. S. Infantry aged 27 ycnis. Buried at Buffalo, N. Y. 



In memory of Mrs. Thankful, relict of Capt. Moses Pierce, who died Feb. 3, 1821, 
aged 92. She was a mother in Israel, and the first member.of the Methodist Episcopal 
church in this city, who like Lydia first heard the preachers, and then received them 
into her house. 



From the Norwich town Records. 
Wiikrkas Owaneko, the Indian Sachem and Soane of Uncas, hath desired of the 
town of Norwich a yerll of lande lyinge near Showtucket rivere, the town hath ap- 
pointed and ordered Thomas Tracy, Thomas Leffingwell and John Post to layout 
three hundred acres of land, and they have accordingly attended their order, one end 
of the land abutting westerly upon the land of James Fritch, and the otherend easterly 
abutts upon the commons, and the one side southerly abutts on Gtueenebaug Rivere, 
and the other side northerly on the commons, the said men have measured and mark- 
ed out the said land, and the towne doth give unto Owaneko this land on conditions 
as followeth : — first, the towne doth freely give unto Owaneko and to his heires but so 
as y't Owaneko nor any of his heires, have power or any liberty to sell it, or by any 
other means to allienate to any others, onely if Owaneko hath no natural heire to suc- 
ceed him, and the Indians who were his or her heires subjects shall desire to abide 
and inhabite upon the land, they shall then have such a Sachem placed and set over 
them as the towne of Norwich and the Showtuck Indians shall agree, and if these par- 

t Manuscript of Mr. Hide. 

38 



298 NORWICH. 

ties cannot agree, the court of Connecticut shall determine who shall be their Sachem, 
the towne of Norwich, and the said Indians being bound commit it to the — . ... Its 
further ingaged said court by Owaneko that the lands which the Indians shall ... by 
planting of corn or otherwise they must secure themselves by fencing and that if any 
damage be done by the English of the town of Norwich, the English are not bound to 
make satisfaction lor the said damages. Its further ingaged by Owaneko, that he nor 
his Indians have any liberty to keep hogs but what they do keep in their own lands, 
but no liberty to go upon the lands common to the English. Its further ingaged by 
Owaneko that if any of his subjects, his Indians, do any wrong to the town of Norwich, 
or any of the inhabitants of the said town, by killing their cattle or trespassing upon 
them in any such way, or acting as in accordance to the laws of the English judged to 
be a trespass or wrong, the said Owaneko doth ingage to make legall satisfaction if 
there be legall proofe of the said wrong : and that if upon sufficient experience its man- 
ifest that the said Owaneko will not be responsible according to wholesome order, but 
he or his men doe become refractory, and will not reform such notorious disorderly 
practices specified, nor make satisfaction for the said damages and wrongs, this — 
Owaneko shall then forfait the said lands into the hands of the towne of Norwich : — Its 
further engadged by Owaneko that whereas as he hath received these lands by gift from 
the town of Norridg, the towne does order y't he shall forbeare on the Sabbath day from 
working, hunting, fishing or any servile labour, and if any of his subjeck be found guil- 
ty of this violation, they shall be lyable to be punished, and to these said and above 
specified particulars the said Owaneko doth bind and ingagde himself, his heirs, and 
lawful successours, this two and twentieth of March, Annd 1669. 

Owaneko, 
Witnesses — Mr. James Ffitch, Mr. John Mason, Junior. his mark. 



No. 1. 



rffr »« >Jb 



The above is a fac simile of the signatures or marks of Uncas, great sachem of the 
Moheagans, and of his son Owaneko. They are copied from the ancient Records of 
the town of Norwich. No. 1, is that of Uncas. No. 2, is that of Owaneko. 



Extracts from the Records of Acts and Grants, Stc. of the Town 
of Norwich. 

Voted, At a Towne Meeting, July 1st, 1680. Granted to Captain Fitch two hundred 
acres of Land for his Incouragement to set up a Saw mill, and to have the benefit of 
the streame and timber at the place, and no otners to set up a Saw mill upon the same 
streame to his Damage. 

An Inferioe Court held at Norwich ye 19th of Sept. 1720. Present, R. Bushnell, 
Justice of ye peace, Saml. fibx, jur. pi pr complaint, Lettes Minor and Hannah Minor 
Pts. for Illegally or feloniously, about ye 6lh of September, inst. take about 30 water 
mi lions which is contrary to Law, and is to his damage, as he saith, y e sum of 20s. 
and prays for Justice. This court having examined the case, consider y e evidence 
dont find matter of fact proved, Do therefore acquit the Dts. and consider ye Plf. pay 
the charge of presentar. R- B., Justice. 

July 26<A, 1720.— Samuel Sabin appeareth before R. Bushnell, Justice, and com- 

plaineth against himself that the last Sabbath day at night, on the 3- , he and John 

Olmbis, went on to Wawewas hill to visit their relations, and were late home, did no 
harm, and he fears may be a transgression of ye Law, and if it be he is very sorry for 
it, and dont allow himself in unreasonable night walking. 

R. B., Justice of peace. 

At Justices Court held at Norwich, y e 27th of May, 1721, present R. Bushnell, Jus- 
tice of y e peace. Henry Holland of Plainfield, being presented by the Constable of 
Plainfield for breach of Law, title Peace breaking, by saying on the 25th day of 
this instant May, in a tumultuous, violent, threatening manner yt he would take head 
of Jonatt. Tracy off his shoulders was brought before this court to be dealt 



NORWICH. 299 

with according to Law, the prisoner pleads not guilty to ye fact — the matter fact being 
sufficiently prov'd against the said Henry Holland according to ye presentment — this 
court do therefore consider yt the said Henry Holland shall provide sufficient surety 
for his peaceable and good behaving until ye next County Court in New London, or if 
he refuse or committed to the County Goal, there to remain until he be delivered ac- 
cording to cover of law, and to pay the charge of his prosecution. 

Cost allowed is in money. R- B., Justice of the peace. 

Henry Holland of Plainfield, being presented by ye constable of Plainfield for pro- 
fane swearing, was brought before this court, pleads not guilty of ye fact, the fact 
being sufficiently proved against him, this court consider that the said Henry Holland 
pay a fine for his transgression of ye law to y e county treasurer of this county, the sum 
of ten shillings, or to sit in ye Stocks two hours, and pay ye charge of prosecution. 

Cost allowed 2s. and 2d. money. R. B., Justice of Peace. 

Norwich ye 1th day of feb. 1722-3. — Apenanucsuck being drunk was by ye Consta- 
ble brought before me R. Bushnell, Justice of ye peace to be dealt with so as the law di- 
rects. — I do sentence ye sd Apenuchsuck for his transgression of y e Law, to pay a 
fine of ten shillings, or to be whipt ten Lashes on ye naked body, and to pay the cost 
of his prosecution, and to continue in ye constable's custody till this sentence be per- 
formed. Cost allowed is 6s. and 6d. R. Bushnell, Justice of ye Peace. 

John Waterman promises to pay Us. 4d. 

Apeanuchsuch having accused Samuel Bliss for selling y e s d Indian 2 pots of cider 
this afternoon. Mr. Samuel Bliss appeared before me ye subscriber, and acknowl- 
edged he let s d Indian have some cider, and do therefore sentence y e said Samuel 
Bliss to pay a fine of twenty shillings for the transgression of y e Law to be disposed of 
as ye Law directs. R. Bushnell, Justice. 

ffebe. y e 7th day, 1722-3. 

June 1th, 1662. — Ordered by the Town that if any Indian shall be found drunk in 
this Towne he shall be forthwith apprehended by him or them that so finds him, and 
he shall either pay ten shillings or be whipt, the one half of the fine is for those that 
find him drunk and the other half for the Towne. — Voted. 



Norwich, ye 23d day of March, 1722-3. — At a Justices Court, Present R. Bushnell, 
Justice of the Peace, upon the complaint of Pattria Tayller of New London, Servt. 
to Thomas Willey, of sd N. London, being freed from her master's cruelty, being very 
much pinched for want of food and also for want of clothing, both linen and woolens, 
no shoes and stockings, &c, sd Thomas Willey was summoned to appear before me, 
Richard Bushnell Justice of the Peace, for examination concerning ye premises, and 
to be dealt with as the Law directs. The complainant appeared before this court; 
having heard and considered the case, and finding the complainant in a miseiable 
condition, all ye clothes she had on excepting a Riding hood and a pair of shoes and 
stockings she had borrowed, all the rest of her cloathing was scarce worth a shilling ; 
they woud not cover her nakedness. This Court do therefore consider the complain- 
ant shall become bound in 10s. 6d. to recognize, with a sufficient security to prosecute 
her complaint at ye county court to be holden at New London y e first Tuesday in June 
next, and to be under ye care of her uncle, Saml. Fox, ye Taxe to pay ye cost. Cost 
allowed is 19s. 6d. Richard Bushnell, Justice of ye peace. 

We, the Subscribers, being appointed by ye Towne, to search for the Towne Amies 
and with their Magazines of Amonition and other accotrements of war Injovned by 
Law, accordingly went upon that servis, March ye 31st, 1720, and found as followeth : 
to Monday night, and two pair Snow shoes, at Lieut. Tracy's two Guns, at Samuel 
Fales' one Gun, and at Lieut. Bushnell's one Gun, and 77 pounds of Led at Lieut. 
Bachns's, 344 pounds of Bullets at Ens. Leffingwell's, one barrel of powder at Deacon 
Simon Huntington's, one barrel of powder and 31 pounds of bullets, and 400 flints at 
Simon Tracy's, one pair of Snoe shoes and 4 pair maugossins. We were also inform- 
ed yt was formerly lent to Mr. John Leffingwell and Lieut. Bushnell 71 pound of Led, 
which said Leffingwell was obliged to pay in bullets y e same quantity ; all the Led and 
bullets 523 pound. John Tracy. 

Simon Tract. 



Know all men by these presents that wee the Inhabitants of the Town of Norwich, 
having made choice of Hugh Calkins, Ensign Thomas Tracy, Ensign Thomas Lef- 
fingwell, Simon Huntington and William Bachus, as a committee, investing them 



300 NORWICH. 

with full power to contract and bargain with John Elderkin and Samuel Lathrop. con. 
cerning the building of a meeting house, the sd committee having agreed with the sd 
workmen with respect to price and payment, both for in specie, wee the said Inhab- 
itants of Norwich jointly and severally do hereby ingage and bind ourselves and our 
successors to make the several payments according to the obligation of and in specie, 
ami in case any neglect shall he hereof to secure the sit cummittee from any detriment 
or damage that may thereby accrue. Acted and Voted, 29th April, 1673. 



January the 10th, 1768-9, — Att a Town Meeting, The Inhabitants grant Liberty 
to tin' present Townsmen to purchase and procure at their discretion, so many drums, 
hoi bards, (and one pair collours,) as is necessary for the Train bands in the Town, 
and to gather so much of the money now due to the Town, and therewith to pay for 
the above mentioned things. 



EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. 

Norwich, November 12th, 1773. 
The season has been so remarkably mild that about a fortnight since a mess of green 
peas were pickt at Norwich, produced from seed of this years growth ; and at Fair- 
field, about the same time, near a pint of strawberries were gathered in a field (from 
vines which had produced a crop at the usual season) equal in color, and of as agreea- 
ble a taste and flavor, as those that are gathered in June. — Connecticut Gaulle. 



Norwich, December If), 1774. 

We hear that Mr. Samuel Gager of this town, from a laudable sense of Freedom, 
and a conscientious regard to justice, has lately liberated three faithful slaves; ami as 
a compensation for their past services, leased them a valuable Farm upon very mode- 
rate terms. 

We also hear that Mr. Jonathan Avery of this town, has made free an able and 
industrious negro man, upon the same noble principles. 



Norwich, January 1st, 1778. 
Last Sabbath there was a contribution in the several parishes in the Town for the 
non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers in the Continental army that belong here. 
When there was collected 346 pair of Stockings, 227 pair of Shoes, 118 Shirts, 78 
Jackets, 48 pair Breeches, 9 Coats, 22 Rifle frocks, 19 Handkerchiefs, and £258 in 
money; all of which is forwarded on to the army: Also a quantity of Pork, Cheese, 
Wheat. Rye, Indian Corn, Sugar, Rice, Flax, Wood, &c. &c, engaged to receive and 
distribute the same to the needy Families of the Officers and Soldiers. The whole 
value of this donation, at a low estimate, will exceeil £1400. 

Norwich, September 12, 1787. 
Lately died at his wigwam in Powachaug, (New Norwich,) old Zacharifkh, Regent 
of the Mohegau tribe of Indians, in the 100th year of his age. It is said, that in his 
younger years he was greatly addicted to drunkenness, but that for near 40 years past 
he has entirely abstained from the ase of all spirituous liquors. 



Norwich, December 4lk, 1792. 
On Thursday evening last, a young man by the name of Cook, aged 19, was in- 
stantly killed in this town by the discharge of a swivel. The circumstances as near 
as we can recollect, were as follows:— In celebration of the day, (being Thanksgiv- 
ing,) a large number of bovs had assembled, and by pillaging dry casks from the 
stores, wharves, &c. had erected a bonfire on the hill back of the Landing, and to make 
their rejoicings more sonorious, fired a swivel several times; at last a loolish loudness 
lor aloud report induced them to be pretty lavish of their powder— the explosion 
burst the swivel into a multitude of pieces, the largest of which, weighing about seven 
pounds, passed through the bodv of the deceased, carrying with it his heart, an. I \\ as 
afterwards found in the street 30 or 40 rods from the place where it was Bred. While 
the serious lament the unhappy accident, they entertain a hope that good may come 
of evil, that the savage practice of making boufires on the evening of Thanksgiving, 
may be exchanged tor some other mode oJ i ejoicing, more consistent with the genuine 
spirit of Christianity, 



BOZRAH, 



301 



BOZRAH. 

Bozrah, formerly New Concord, originally in the bounds of Nor- 
wich, was incorporated a town in 17S6. Some of the first settlers in 
this town were of the names of Waterman, Fox, Hough, and Crocker, 
Fox and Hough located themselves about the center of the place, and 
Waterman in the eastern part. Its average length is four and a half 
miles, and its average breadth four. It is bounded n. by Franklin, e. 
by Norwich, s. by Montville, and w. by Lebanon and Salem. The 
township is uneven, consisting of hills and valleys ; "its geological char- 
acter is granitic, and the soil is a gravelly loam, which is generally rich, 
warm, and fertile." There are three houses of worship in the town ; 
1 Congregational, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist. There is also a Bap- 
tist meeting house which stands on the dividing line between this town 
and Colchester. The central part of the town is 14 miles from New 
London, and 33 from Hartford. 




%ka&bv m 1 WW 



East view of Fitchville, Bozrah. 

There are two cotton manufacturing villages in the limits of this town, 
Bozrahville and Fitchville, both situated on Yantic river. Bozrahville 
is situated on and near the dividing line between this town and Lebanon, 
and is about eight miles from Norwich city. 

The above is an eastern view of Fitchville, a little more than five 
miles from the Landing in Norwich city, on the Hartford turnpike. The 
principal part of the village was built by Nehqmiah H. Fitch, Esq. and 
his brothers in 1832. The Bozrah post office is in this village. 

The name of this town, (Bozrah,) is said to be derived from the follow- 
ing occurrence. In ancient times, an aged, plain sort of a man lived 
where Fitchville is now built : though a respectable inhabitant, he was 
not very remarkable for quoting scripture correctly. On one occasion, 



302 B O Z R A H . 

in quoting from Isaiah the passage " Who is this that cometh from 
Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah ?" &c. he stated that the 
prophet Bozrah said thus and so. Mistakes of this kind are not easily 
forgotten : the old gentleman was ever afterwards called the Prophet, 
and the place of his residence Bozrah ; and when the town was incor- 
porated, it was thought advisable to retain the name by which the place 
was generally known. 

The following account of a remarkable hail storm which took place 
in this town, in July, 1799, is taken from the Connecticut Journal, 
copied from the Connecticut Gazette. 

Bozrah, Monday, July 15, 1799. 
On Monday, July 15th, the inhabitants of the southern part of Lebanon, and of 
the towns of Bozrah and Franklin adjoining, experienced the most awful and devas- 
tating storm of wind, attended with hail and rain, thunder and lightning, probably 
ever known in our county. About five o'clock, P. M. a dark angry cloud gradually 
arose from the south ; it continued increasing and gathering blackness and rapidity of 
motion as it rose. In about half an hour after, a cloud of a brass or flame color, 
seemed to roll up in front of it, like a column of smoke, which presently overspread 
it, growing brighter and appearing more wild and agitated. At this time an extensive 
black cloud before unperceived, rose along from the N. W. to S. W. similar to the 
first, and in a little time formed a junction with it, when they directly shot their 
united summits high in the air, and the whole hemisphere by six o'clock was covered 
with almost the darkness of night, emitting sharp forked lightning, followed with 
heavy thunder. A calm of a few minutes succeeded, while the birds and beasts 
guided by instinct, fled for refuge, as portending some great calamity. The wind 
with a distinct roar soon began to blow with great violence, and increased almost to a 
hurricane: when astonishing to behold, hail stones of a prodigious size, two and three 
inches in diameter, were driven with almost the force of grape shot, upon every thing 
in its course ; they were at first scattering, but in a moment came thicker and larger, 
until they fell in a complete shower of ice, so great as to prevent an object from being 
distinguished at the distance of two or three rods. Directly, scarce an inch of glass 
was left in the windows next the storm, and in some instances the sashes were broken ; 
shingles were split and beat off the roofs of houses and barns, and vegetation almost 
wholly laid waste by the fury of the hail ; while the wind overturned trees, unroofed, 
removed, or destroyed barns and fences. Every thing seemed in confusion and uproar, 
and men and beasts were silent with astonishment. This scene lasted according to dil- 
ferent judgments, ten, fifteen, and twenty minutes, though most agree that the greatest 
discharge of hail fell in a shorter time. When the hail ceased, a shower of rain more 
abundant if possible, immediately followed ; and collecting, ran with violence, swept 
the hail into large waves, and the ruins into heaps, and bore them away promiscuously 
to the torrents and low grounds, presenting a most singular and melancholy sight. 
After an hour had abated, and the sun just setting, broke through the clouds and af- 
forded a prospect dreary and gloomy beyond description. The earth seemed almost 
desolate and a waste. The poor beasts were objects of the first attention : the cattle 
were found alive, though sadly bruised and wounded, the backs of cows were bloody, 
legs of horses cut and swollen ! when the smaller animals suffered much more : some 
pigs of four months old, with sheep, were killed, numbers of geese, turkies, &c. ex- 
posed, were beat to death : birds are daily found in large numbers, in the fields and 
gardens, dead and maimed: buildings and fences are seen bruised to such a degree 
that they will long remain standing proofs of the violence and size of the hail. * * 
***** The horrors of the scene and the ravages of the storm are truly 
indescribable. Many of the sufferers can only compare them with their ideas of the 
dav of judgment. The hail stones were so large as to be taken for the falling of 
bricks from the chimney upon the roofs of the houses. After the rain, which must 
have washed them, they were carefully examined in different places, and found to 
measure, some four and a half inches by five and a half in circumference, others six 
inches, some six inches by nearly seven ; they are generally compared by spectators 
to the full size of hen's and geese eggs. Banks of hail five or six inches deep remained 
on the Saturday and Sunday following, and some measured then three and a half 
inches round ; they were generally more flat than round, with ragged edges. The 
course of the storm was chiefly from the S. W. to the N. E. though sometimes the hail 
came from the south, and then again nearly from the west; windows were broken on 



C OLCHESTER. 303 

three sides of houses. It run much in veins, damaging only some fields, and totally 
destroying others adjoining. The hail extended nearly lour miles in width, where it 
was dreadful : it grew wider in Franklin, which is to the east, and seemed to spend 
itself there, ending in rain beyond that place. It was doubtless the same cloud which 
passed over Litchfield county, &c. scattering its hail through the State, even to the 
mouth of the Connecticut River, which united with the other in the south, took this di- 
rection, and here spread its most distinguishing horrors. 'Tis considered almost 
miraculous by the people, that amidst all this distress, the lives of men and beasts have 
been wonderfully preserved. Only two or three men have been knocked down, and 
one or two children, one of which, 14 years old, was so beaten as to be deprived of 
reason for two days." 



COLCHESTER. 



The settlement of Colchester began about 1701. In 1698 the Le- 
gislature enacted that a new plantation should be made at Jeremy's 
farm. It was determined that it should be bounded southerly on 
Lyme, westerly on Middletown, and easterly on Norwich and Leba- 
non. This was most commonly called the plantation at Twenty-mile 
river, and was originally within the limits of the county of Hartford. 
Some of the principal planters were the Rev. John Bulkley, Samuel 
Gilbert, Michael Taintor, Samuel Northam, John Adams, Joseph Pom- 
eroy, and John Loomis. 

Colchester is bounded n. by Hebron and Marlborough, w. by Chat- 
ham, e. by Lebanon, and s. by East Haddam and Salem. Its aver- 
age length from east to west is about 9 miles, and its breadth about 4, 
comprising an area of about 43 square miles. The face of the town- 
ship is generally uneven, being hilly, and in some places somewhat rough 
and stony. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, tolerably strong 
and fertile. Iron ore of the best quality has been recently found in this 
town ; the beds apparently are inexhaustible ; the best bed is about one 
mile n. w. of the Congregational church. There are three houses of 
worship, 2 for Congregationalists and one for Baptists. Westchester 
society is possessed of a fund sufficient for the support of the ministry, 
and also a free grammar school for two thirds of the year. 

In the first located society, there is a pleasant village of perhaps 40 or 
50 houses, having an elevated and healthful situation. The following en- 
graving shows the Congregational church and Bacon Academy, situated 
on the western side of the open green, in the center of the village. The 
small one story building with a cupola, seen on the left, is the confer- 
ence house, used for holding religious meetings. The school for colored 
children is seen north of the church, under the trees ; the hill seen in the 
distance, is called Bulkley Hill, between which and the village is a deep 
valley. Bacon Academy is so called from Mr. Pierpont Bacon, its bene- 
factor and founder. It was established in 1800, and possesses $35,000 
in funds. The Academy is built of brick, 75 feet by 34, three stories 
high, spacious and commodious. It is a free school for the inhabitants 
of the society, and is open for scholars from abroad upon very accom- 
modating and moderate terms. All the higher branches of an English 
education are taught, and the institution is accommodated with philosoph- 
ical apparatus of various kinds. There are usually about 200 scholars, 



304 



COLCHESTER. 



with four or five instructors. This institution has ever been considered 
one of the most respectable and flourishing academies in the state. It 
is 20 miles from New London, 23 from Hartford, 15 from Norwich, and 
10 from East Haddam Landing. 




Bacon Academy and Congregational Church, Colchester. 



John Bulkley, the first minister in this town, was the son of the 
Rev. Gershom Bulkley. " His mother was the daughter of President 
Chauncy. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1699, and was 
ordained December 20, 1703. His death took place in June, 1731. 

" Mr. Bulkley was very distinguished as a scholar. While a mem- 
ber of college, he and Mr. Dummer, who was a member of the same 
class, were considered as preeminent in genius and talents. The palm 
was given to the latter for quickness, brilliancy, and wit; but Mr. Bulk- 
ley was regarded as his superior in solidity of judgment and strength of 
argument. He carried his researches into the various departments of 
the law, of medicine, and theology. His son, John Bulkley, who was 
also eminent for his learning, possessed a high reputation as a physician 
and lawyer, and when very young was appointed a judge of the supe- 
rior court of Connecticut. 

" Mr. Bulkley was classed by the Rev. Dr. Chauncy, in 1768, among 
the three most eminent for strength of genius and powers of mind, 
which New England had produced. The other two were Mr. Jere- 
miah Dummer and Mr. Thomas Walter. He published an election ser- 
mon in 1713, entitled 'the necessity of religion in societies.' In 1724 
he published an inquiry into the right of the aboriginal natives to the 
lands in America. This curious treatise has within a few years been 
reprinted in the collection of the Historical Society of Massachusetts. 
The author contends, that the Indians had no just claims to any lands, 
but such as they had subdued and improved by their own labor, and 
that the English had a perfect right to occupy all other lands without 



COLCHESTER. 305 

compensation to the natives. He published one other tract, entitled 'an 
impartial account of the late debate at Lyme upon the following points; 
whether it be the will of God, that the infants of visible believers should 
be baptised ; whether sprinkling be lawful and sufficient ; and whether 
the present way of maintaining ministers by a public rate or tax be law- 
ful,' 1729. In this he gives some account of the rise of the antipedo- 
baptist persuasion."* 



The following humorous story, in which Mr. Bulkley, the first min- 
ister in this town, was concerned, is from an ancient publication. 

" The Rev. Mr. Bulkley of Colchester, Con., was famous in Ins day as a casuist 
and sage counselor. A church in his neighborhood had (alien into unhappy divisions 
and contentions, which they were unable to adjust among themselves. They deputed 
one of their number to the venerable Bulkley, for his services; with a request that he 
would send it to them in writing. The matters were taken into serious consideration, 
and the advice with much deliberation committed to writing. It so happened, that 
Mr. Bulkley had a farm in an extreme part of the town, upon which he entrusted a 
tenant; in superscribing the two letters, the one for the church was directed to the 
tenant, and the one for the tenant to the church. The church was convened to hear 
the advice which was to settle all their disputes. The moderator read as follows: You 
trill see tn the repair of the fences, Unit they be built high and strong, and you will take 
special care of the old black bull. This mystical advice puzzled the church at first, but 
an interpreter among the more discerning ones was soon found, who said, Brethren, 
this is the very advice we most need ; the direction to repair the fences is to admon- 
ish us to take good heed in the admission and government of our members: we must 
gnard the church by our master's laws, and keep out strange cattle from the fold. And 
we must in a particular manner set a watchful guard over the Devil, the old black 
bull, who has done so much hurt of late. All perceived the wisdom and fitness of Mr. 
Bulkley's advice, and resolved to be governed by it. The consequence was, all the 
animosities subsided, and harmony was restored to the long afflicted church. What 
the subject of the letter sent to the tenant was, and what good effect it had upon him, 
the story does not tell." 



In this town, Westchester society, is the monument of Col. Henry 
Champion, a native of East Haddam, deputy commissary general of 
the armies of the United States, in the Revolution, and in that station 
eminently useful. To this gentleman, Washington, in his distress for 
provisions at Valley Forge, applied for relief, and the first relief to the 
starving army, came from his land. He died in 1796. 



The following is from the Colchester Town Records; the tradition is, 
that this thanksgiving was put off on account of there being a deficiency 
of molasses, an article much used on these occasions. 

" At a legal Town meeting held in Colchester, Oct. 29th, 1705. It 
was voted, that whereas there was a thanksgiving appointed to be held 
on the first Thursday in November, and our present circumstances be- 
ing such, that it cannot with convenience be attended on that day; it is 
therefore voted and agreed by the inhabitants, as aforesaid, (concluding 
the thing will not be otherwise than well resented,) that the second 
Thursday of November aforesaid, shall be set apart for that service." 



Allen's Biographical Dictionary. 
39 



306 



FIUNKLIN. GRISWOLD 



The following inscriptions are from monuments in the grave yard on 
the west side of the Congregational church. 

The Honble. John Bulkley, Esqr. of Colchester, who for a number of years, was a 
great honor to an uncommon variety of exalted stations in life. Moite Subitanea 
Corripuit Julii 21 A. D. 1753. Anno" iElatis Sua: 41). 

Beloved and fear'd for vertue's sake, 

Such vertue as the great doth make. 



In memory of Jonathan Kilborn Esq. who departed this life Octobr. 14th, A. D. 
1785, in the 79 yeai of his age. 

He was a man of invention great, 

Above all that lived nigh, 
But he could not invent to live, 
When God called him to die. 
Mr. Kilborn lived about one mile south of the Academy. He was an uncommonly 
ingenious mechanic, and it is said he was the inventor of the iron screw. It is also sta- 
ted, that he admitted an Englishman into his shop, who observing his invention, took 
the proper dimensions, &c. went to England, and claimed to be the original inventor. 



FRANKLIN. 



This town originally belonged to Norwich, and was incorporated as 
a town in 1786. Its length from north to south is five miles, and its 
average breadth four miles. It is bounded on the n. e. by Windham 
and the Shetucket river, which separates it from Lisbon, w. by Leba- 
non, s. by Bozrah, and s. e. by Norwich. The town is diversified 
with hills and valleys, and the geological structure and soil are of a gra- 
nitic character, the latter being generally a gravelly loam. The lands 
are best adapted to grazing. 

The population of the town in 1810 was 1,161 ; in 1830 it was 1,194. 
There are 2 houses of worship in the town, 1 for Congregationalists and 
one for Methodists. Agriculture is the principal business of the inhab- 
itants, who live scattered about on their farms, there being no place 
which may be considered as a village in the town. There is a woolen 
factory on Beaver brook, near the Shetucket river, on the eastern bor- 
der of the town. The central part of Franklin is thirty four miles from 
Hartford, and about seven miles from Norwich city. 



GRISWOLD 



Griswold was originally a part of Preston, and was incorporated as 
a town in 1815. Its average length is 8 miles, and its breadth about 4. 
It is bounded n. by Plainfield, w. by Quinnebaug river, separating it 
from Lisbon, e. by Voluntown, s. by Preston and North Stonington. 
The surface of the township is uneven ; the prevailing soil is a gravelly 
loam, with some sections of sandy loam. There are some low marsh 
lands upon the Pochaug river, a sluggish stream, which passes through 
the central part of the town. There are two Congregational churches 
in the town, 1 at Jewett's City, the other in the central part of the town. 
The population in 1810 was 1,520; in 1830, it was 2,212. 



OROTON. 



307 




South vieiv of Jewett's City, Griswold. 

The above shows the appearance of Jewett's City, the principal place 
in Griswold, about a mile south from the village on the Norwich road. 
This is a flourishing village, on the east side of the Quinnebaug, contain- 
ing 800 or 900 inhabitants, 3 extensive cotton factories, 5 mercantile 
stores, a Congregational church, and a bank, with a capital of 100,000 
dollars, called the Jewett City bank. It is stated, that there is water 
power in this place sufficient to keep 40 or 50,000 spindles in operation. 
It is 8 miles n. e. from Norwich, and 14 from Brooklyn. 

Hopeville is a little manufacturing village, about 2£ miles east of 
Jewett's City, containing one or two satinet factories and about twenty 
houses. There are in the eastern part of this town two cotton facto- 
ries, situated on the line between this town and Voluntown. 



The following is copied from a monument in the grave yard in the 

village of Jewett's City. 

In memory of Mr. Eliezer Jewett, who died Deer. 7th, 1817, in the 87th year of his 
age. — In April, 1771, he began the settlement of this village, and from his persevering 
industry and active benevolence, it has derived its present importance: its name will 
perpetuate his memory. 



GROT ON. 

Groton was incorporated as a town in 1705, having until that period 
belonged to New London. It is bounded north by Ledyard, west by 
the river Thames, separating it from New London, Montville, and 
Waterford, east by North Stonington and the Mystic, which separates 
it from Stonington, and south by Fisher's Island sound. It is about 
six miles in length from north to south, and has an average breadth of 
nearly six miles. 



308 



CIIOTON 




South view of Portersville and Lower Mystic. 

The township is uneven, being- hilly and stony, and abounding with 
granite and other primitive rocks. A tract extending along the Sound, 
and another, about a mile wide, extending on the Thames the length of 
the township, are rich and pleasant; the remainder is generally very 
stony and difficult of cultivation, and abounding with forests. The 
town is watered by the Mystic and the Poquonock, which discharge 
their waters into the Sound. There are several villages ; Groton Bank 
opposite New London, Portersville on Mystic river, and Pequonnuc. 

The village embracing Portersville and Lower Mystic, is separated 
by the river Mystic, and connected by a toll bridge. The river is the 
boundary line between Groton and Stonington ; the village is situated 
about two miles from its mouth, and about seven miles east from New 
London. Portersville is on the west side, and Mystic on the east side 
of the river. The two places contain about one hundred and fifty 
dwelling houses, ten stores, and a post office, and a tavern in each 
place. A neat church is erected in Portersville, called the Mariner's 
church, and is open to all denominations. Mystic river is navigable for 
vessels of about four hundred tons burthen to the bridge, connecting the 
villages of Portersville and Mystic. A number of whale ships and coast- 
ing vessels are owned here. Several of the coasting vessels are con- 
stantly employed as wreckers, in cruising along the coast as far as the 
West Indies, for the purpose of saving those vessels and cargoes which 
have been wrecked. In some instances it has been found a very lucra- 
tive employment. A considerable quantity of country produce is ship- 
ped from this place for the New York market. A number of fishing 
smacks go from this place to Cuba to fish for the Spaniards. It is sta- 
ted that about three hundred men and boys from both villages are 
employed in navigation. Ship building is carried on to some extent at 
the head of Mystic. 

Groton will ever be memorable as the theater of the most important 
and interesting military transactions which have taken place in the state. 



GROTON. 301) 

In the early settlement of the country, the fate of Connecticut was de- 
cided by the sword on Pequot hill, within the limits of this town, and 
the Pequots, the most haughty and warlike tribe of savages in New 
England, effectually crushed by a single blow, and their existence as a 
nation annihilated. In the war of the Revolution, another of the ' ; high 
places" of Groton became an Aceldama, and the flower of her sons were 
sacrificed to the vengeance of an infuriated enemy. 

On the 6th of September, 1781, a body of British troops, about 800 
in number, under the command of Lieut. Col. Eyre, landed on the Gro- 
ton side, opposite the light-house, and having found a lame boy collect- 
ing cattle, compelled him to show them the cart path to the fort. They 
landed about nine o'clock in the morning of a most delightful day, clear 
and still. Fort Griswold was under the command of Lieut. Col. William 
Ledyard, brother of the celebrated traveler of the same name. He re- 
sided on Groton bank, opposite New London, and was much beloved 
and respected by his neighbors. On the advance of the enemy, Col. 
Ledyard, having but about one hundred and fifty men with him in the 
fort, sent out an officer to get assistance, as there were a number of 
hundreds of people collected in the vicinity ; this officer, by drinking 
too much, became intoxicated, and no reinforcement was obtained. On 
the rejection of a summons to surrender, the British extended their lines, 
so that they were scattered over the fields, and rushed on to the attack 
with trailed arms, under the fire of the Americans, to the assault of the 
fort on three sides. Having effected a lodgment in the ditch, they cut 
away the pickets, and having scaling ladders, they entered the fort and 
knocked away the gate on the inside. While the British were in the 
ditch, they had cold shot thrown on them, and as they were entering 
the embrazures, the garrison changed their weapons and fought desper- 
ately with spears or pikes fifteen or sixteen feet in length, which did 
considerable execution. Unfortunately they had lent the greater part 
of the pikes belonging to the fort to a privateer a few days before. 
Major Montgomery was hoisted up on the walls of the fort by his sol- 
diers ; as he was flourishing his sword on his entrance, he was mortally 
wounded by Jordan Freeman,* a colored man, who pierced him through 
with a spear. Another officer was killed by a musket ball, while in the 
fort. As he fell, he exclaimed, "put every one to death, don't sjxtre 
one" Col. Ledyard, finding further resistance useless, presented his 
sword to an officer, who asked him who commanded the fort. " I did," 
said Col. Ledyard, " but you do now ;" the officer (Capt. Bloomfield) 
took his sword and plunged it into his bosom. Col. Ledyard fell on 
his face and instantly expired. An indiscriminate massacre now took 



* Most of the facts mentioned in this account were related to the compiler of this 
work by an eye witness, Mr. Joshua Baker, of Groton, who was in the fort at the time 
it was stormed. He was wounded, carried off prisoner to New York, and confined 
in the t; Sugar House." He mentioned that when the enemy arrived at JN T ew York, 
they reported a loss of five hundred men in killed, wounded, and missing, in this ex- 
pedition. Mr. Baker was under the command of Col. Ledyard upwards of two years, 
and was the first man who stood sentry at Fort Griswold. Some particulars were also 
obtained from Capt Elijah Bailey, the post master at Groton Bank, who was one of 
the defenders of the fort at the lime of the massacre. 



G ROT ON, 




Groton Monument and Fort Griswold. 

place, till a British officer exclaimed, " my soul cannot bear such de- 
struction," and ordered a parley to be beat. Such had been the butch- 
ery in the fort, that it was over shoes in blood in some parts of the 
parade ground. Soon after the surrender, a wagon was loaded with 
wounded Americans and set off' down the hill ; it struck an apple tree 
with great force, and knocked several of these bleeding men out, and 
caused their instant death. One of these distressed men having been 
thrown out of the wagon, and while crawling towards the fence on his 
hands and knees, was brutally knocked oai the head by the butt end of 
a musket, by one of the refugees who Were attached to the British 
army. The British embarked at the foot of the hill, near the ferry, 
and took off a number of prisoners with them. As they left the fort, 
they set fire to a train, intending to blow up the magizine, in which 
were about one hundred barrels of powder. Fortunately it was extin- 
guished by our people, who entered the fort soon after the enemy left it. 
It is stated that the enemy lost in the attack on the fort 54 killed and 
143 wounded, several of whom afterwards died of their wounds. The 
killed of the enemy were buried by their comrades at the gate of the 
fort, and were so slightly covered that many of their legs and arms re- 
mained above ground ; our people who were killed at the fort, were 
stripped, and so disfigured, covered with blood and dust, that with the 
exception of two or three, they could not be recognized by their friends, 
except by some particular marks on their persons. 

The above is a west view, from New London, of Groton Monument 
and Fort Griswold, on Mount Ledyard. This monument has its foun- 



GROTON. 311 

elation stone at an elevation of about 130 feet above tide water; the 
monument itself is one hundred and twenty seven feet in height. The 
pedestal rises about eighteen or twenty feet, and is twenty three feet 
square ; on the pedestal rises an obelisk square, ninety two feet in 
height, twenty two feet square at its base, and eleven feet at the top. 
It is ascended by one hundred and sixty five stone steps inserted into 
the outer wall, rising in a circular form, their inner ends supported by 
an iron rail and banister. The monument is constructed of granite, of 
which there is an abundance in the vicinity. The expense of its erec- 
tion was eleven thousand dollars ; this amount was raised by a lottery, 
granted by the state for this purpose. 



The following is the inscription, on marble, placed over the entrance 
of the monument. 

This Moruwnent 

was erected under the patronage of the State of Connecticut, A. D. 1830, 

and in the 55th year of the Independence of the U. S. A. 

In memory of the brave Patriojs, 

who fell in the massacre at Fort Griswold, near this spot, 

on the Gth of September, A. D. 1781, 

when the British, under the command of 

the traitor Benedict Arnold, 

burnt the towns of New London and Groton, and spread 

desolation and woe throughout this region. 

On the south side of the pedestal, opposite the fort, is the following 
inscription. 

"Zebulon and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death, in 
the high places of the field." — Judges, 5 Chap. 18 verse. 

List of men who fell at Fort Griswold, 'Sept. 6. 1781. 

Here follows a list of eighty five names, on a marble tablet. 



Groton was the seat of the Pequot power. The royal residence or 
fort of Sassacus, the chief sachem, was situated on a commanding emi- 
nence, a little southeast of Fort Friswold. Here/was the principal fort. 
He had another to the northwest of this, near Mystic river. The Pe- 
quot country is described as extending from the Nehantic on the west, 
to Rhode Island line on the east, including the present towns of Water- 
ford, New London and Montville, west of the Thames ; and Groton, 
Stonington and North Stonington on the east. All the country north 
of this, including the county of Windham, and part of Tolland county, 
has been represented as the Mohegan county. Historians have treated 
the Pequots and Mohegans as two distinct tribes. They appear how- 
ever to have been parts of the same nation, named from the place of 
their situation. Uncas was evidently of the royal line of the Pequots, 
both by his father and mother, and his wife was the daughter of Tato- 
bam, one of the Pequot sachems. Uncas appears to have been a petty 
sachem under Sassacus, the great prince of the Pequot nation. When 
the English came to Connecticut, he was in rebellion against Sassacus, 
and therefore readily joined with the English, to save himself, and be 
avenged on his adversary. 



312 



GROTON, 




JSorth view of Pequot Hill, Groton. 

The above is a north view of Pequot Hill in Groton, about 8 miles 
northeast from New London. This spot will ever be memorable, on 
account of its being the place where the first regular conflict between 
the English and the natives of New England took place. Here the 
blow was struck by which the salvation of the infant colony of Con- 
necticut was effected, and the ruin of the haughty, warlike, and pow- 
erful Pequot tribe of Indians accomplished. The conquest of the Pe- 
quots struck such terror to the Indian tribes in New England, that they 
had no open war with the colonists for nearly forty years afterwards. 
The hill represented above is commanding and beautiful, though not 
steep. The land on which the fort stood is now owned by Roswell 
Fish, Esq. ; his house is seen in the engraving, standing on the summit 
of the hill ; the fort is supposed to have stood a few rods south of his 
house. Arrows, beads, arrow heads, and other Indian implements, 
have been found on this spot. This place is about 120 or 130 rods 
west of Mystic river, and about one mile north of the church in Por- 
tersville, which is seen on the left of the en^ravin^. 

The following account of the destruction of the Pequots is princi- 
pally taken from the account written by Capt. Mason, the commander 
of the expedition, entitled " A Brief History of the Pequot War." he. 
published in Boston in 1736. The soldiers from Connecticut, ninety 
in number, arrived at Saybrook on Wednesday, where they lay wind- 
bound till Friday, 12th of May, 1637. There was a difference of 
opinion between Capt. Mason and his officers, whether to sail directly 
to Pequot (now Thames) river, or go on beyond and land his men at 
Narragansett. The instructions were to land the men at Pequot river. 

" But Capt. Mason, apprehending an exceeding great hazard in so doing, for the 
reasons fore mentioned, as also some other which I shall forbear to trouble you with, 
did therefore earnestly desire Mr. Stone that he would commend our condition to the 
Lord that night, to direct how, and in what manner we should demean ourselves in 
that Respect; he being our Chaplin and lying aboard our Pink, the Captain on shoar. 



CEOTON. O l : j 

Iii the morning very early Mr. Stone came ashoar to the Captain's chamber, and told 
him he had done as he desired, and was fully satisfied to sail for Narragansett: oar 
council was then called, and the several reasons alledged: in fine we all agreed with 
one accord to sail for Narragansett, which the next morning, (May 12th,) we put in 
execution." 

[The'little army arrived at Narragansett bay on Saturday towards evening, where 
they kept the Sabbath. On account of the wind they were not able to go on shore till 
sunset on Tuesday, when Capt Mason landed and went to the ehieT sachem's resi- 
dence and desired a free passage through his country, which Was granted. The next 
day, Wednesday, they arrived at a place called Nayanlic, eighteen or twenty miles 
distant, where resided another Narragansett sachem, who lived in a fort. As they 
would not suffer any of the English to go into their fori, Capt. Mason seta guard 
around it, and would not suffer any of the Indians to go out and give information to 
the Pequols of their approach.] 

"On Thursday, about eight of the clock in the morning, we marched thence to- 
wards Pequot, with about five hundred Indians; but through the heat of the weather, 
and want of provisions, some of our men fainted, and after having marched about 
twelve miles we came to Pawcatuck river, at a Ford where our Indians told us the 
Pequots did usually fish; there making an Alta, we stayed some small time; the Nar- 
ragansett Indians manifesting great fear, insomuch that many of them returned, 
although they had frequently despised us saying, That we durst not look upon a Pequot, 
but themselves would perform great things; though we had often told them that we 
came on purpose and were resolved, God assisting, to see the Pequots, and to fight 
with them before we returned, though we perished. 1 then enquired o( Onkos, (Un- 
cas,) what he thought the Indians would do? who said the Narragansetts would all 
leave us, but as for himself, he would never leave us: and so it proved ; for which ex- 
pi ession, and some other speeches of his, I shall never forget him. Indeed he was a 
great friend, and did great service." 




South view of Porter 's Rocks, Groton. ' 

[The above is a southern view of Porter's Rocks, on the shore of 
Mystic river, in Groton, where Capt. Mason and his little army lay 
on the night previous to his attacking the Pequot fort, which was 
about two miles to the southwest. These rocks are situated about 
half a mile south of the house of Daniel Eldridge, Esq. and about the 
same distance from the village in Stonington at the head of Mystic. 
From the top of the ledge, Portersville and the ocean can be seen.] 

" And after we had refreshed ourselves with our mean commons, we marched about 
three miles, and came to a field which had lately been planted with Indian corn: there 
we made another Alt, and called our council, supposing we drew near to the enemy: 
and being informed by the Indians that the enemy had two forts almost impregnable; 
but we were not at all discouraged, but rather animated, insomuch that we were re- 
solved to assault both their forts at once. But understanding that one of them was so 

40 



314 GROTON. 

remote that vvc could not come up with it before midnight, though we marched hard : 
whereat we were much grieved, chiefly because the greatest and bloodiest sachem 
there resided, whose name was Sassacous: We were then constrained, being exceed- 
ingly spent in our march with extreme heat and want of necessaries, to accept the 
nearest." 

" We then marching on in a silent manner, the Indians that remained fell all into 
the rear, who formerly kept the van, (being possessed with great fear;) we continued 
our march till about one hour in the night: and coming to a little swamp between 
two hills, we pitched our little camp; much wearied with hard travel, keeping great 
silence, supposing we were very near the fort as our Indians informed us, which 
proved otherwise. The rocks were our pillows; yet rest was pleasant. The night 
proved comfortable, being clear and moonlight. We appointed our guards, and pla- 
ced our sentinels at some distance ; who heard the enemy singing at the fort, who 
continued their strain till midnight, with great exulting and rejoicing as we were af- 
terwards informed. They seeing our pinnaces sail by them some days before, conclu- 
ded we were afraid of them, aud durst not come near them, the burthen of their song 
tending to that purpose." 

" In the morning, (Friday, 2Gth of May,) we awaking and seeing it very light, sup- 
posing it had been day, and so we might have lost our opportunity, having purposed 
10 make our assault before day, roused the men with all expedition, and briefly com- 
mended ourselves and design to God, thinking immediately to go to the assault. The 
Indians showed us a path, and told us that it led directly to the fort. We held on our 
march about two miles, wondering that we came not to the fort, and fearing we might 
be deluded ; but seeing corn newly planted at the foot of a great hill, supposing the 
fort was not far off, a champion country being round about us ; then making a stand, 
gave the word for some of the Indians to come up; at length Onkos and one Wcquosh 
appeared. We demanded of them, Where was the fort ? They answered on the top 
of that hill. Then we demanded, Where were the rest of the Indians'? They an- 
swered behind, exceedingly afraid. We wished them to tell the rest of their fellows, 
that they should by no means fly but stand at what distance they pleased, and see 
whether Englishmen would now fight or not. Then Captain Underhill came up, who 
marched in the rear; and commending ourselves to God, we divided our men, there 
being two entrances into the fort, intending to enter both at once — Captain Mason 
leading up to that on the northeast side, who approached within one rod, heard a 
dog bark, and an Indian crying Owanux ! Omanux! which is Englishmen ! Eng- 
lishmen ! We called up our forces with all expedition, gave fire upon them through 
the pallizado, the Indians being in a dead, indeed their last sleep. Then we wheeling 
off, fell upon the main entrance, which was blocked up with bushes about breast high, 
over which the Captain passed, intending to make good the entrance, encouraging the 
rest to follow. Lieutenant Seeley endeavored to enter ; but being somewhat cumber- 
ed, stepped back and pulled out the bushes and so entered, and with him about sixteen 
men. We had formerly concluded to destroy them by the sword and save the plun- 
der." 

" Whereupon Captain Mason seeing no Indians, entered a wigwam, where he was 
beset with many Indians, waiting all opportunities to lay hands on him, but could not 
prevail. At length William Hcydon, espying the breach in the wigwam, supposing 
some English might be there, entered; but in his entrance fell over a dead Indian; 
but speedily recovering himself, the Indians some fled, others crept under their beds. 
The Captain going out of the wigwam, saw many Indians in the lane or street ; he 
making towards th'em, they fled, were pursued to the end of the lane, where they were 
met by Edward Pattisnn, Thomas Barber, with some others; where seven of them 
were slain as they said. The Captain facing about, marched a slow pace up the lane , 
he came down, perceiving himself very much out of breath, and coming to the other 
end, near the place where he first entered, saw two soldiers standing close to the pali- 
sado, with their swords pointed to the ground ; the Captain told them that we should 
never kill them after this manner. The Captain also said, We must burn them; and 
immediately stepping into the wigwam, where he had been before, brought out a fire 
brand, and putting it into the mats with which they were covered, set the wigwams 
on fire. Lieutenant Thomas Bull and Nicholas Omstcd beholding, came up; and 
when it was thoroughly kindled, the Indians ran as men most dreadfully amazed." 

" And indeed such adreadful terror did the Almighty let fall upon their spirits, that 
they would fly from us and run into the very flames, where many of them perished. 
And when the fort was thoroughly fired, command was given that all should fall off 
and surround the fort ; which was readily attended by all, only one, Arthur Smith, be- 
ing so wounded that he could not move out of the place, who was happily espied by 
Lieutenant Bull, and by him rescued. The fire was kindled on the northeast side 
to the windward ; which did swiftly overrun the fort, to the extreme amazement of 
the enemy, and great rejoicing of ourselves. Some of them climbing to the top of 



GROTON. 315 

the palizado: others of them running into the very flames; many of them gathering 
to the windward, lay pelting at us with their arrows ; and we repaid them with our 
small shot ; others of the stoutest issued forth, as we did guess, to the number of forty, 
who perished by the sword." 

" What I have formerly said, is according to my own knowledge, their being suffi- 
cient living testimony to every particular. But in reference to Capt. Underbill and 
his partie's acting in this assault, I can only intimate as we are informed by some of 
themselves immediately alter the fight, that they marched up to the entrance on the 
southwest side ; there they made some pause ; a valiant, resolute gentleman, one Mr. 
Hedge, stepping towards the gate, saying, ' If we may not enter, wherefore came we 
here V and immediately endeavored to enter; but was opposed by a sturdy Indian, 
which did impede his entrance ; but the Indian being slain by himself and Sergeant 
Davis, Mr. Hedge entered the fort with some others ; but the fort being on fire, the 

smoke and flames were so violent that they were constrained to desert the fort 

Thus were they now at their wit's end, who not many hours before exalted themselves 
in their great pride, threatening and resolving the utter ruin and destruction of all the 
English, exulting and rejoicing with songs and dances : but God was above them, who 
laughed his enemies and the enemies of his people to scorn, making them as a fiery 
oven. Thus were the stout-hearted spoiled, having slept their last sleep, and none of 
their men could find their hands. Thus did the Lord judge among the heathen, fill- 
ing the place with dead bodies ! And here we may see the just judgment of God, 
in sending even the very night before the assault one hundred and fifty men from the 
other fort, to join with them of that place, who were designed as some of themselves 
reported to go forth against the English, at that very instant when this heavy stroke 
came upon them, where they perished with their fellows. So that the mischief they 
intended to us, came upon their own pate. They were taken in their own snare, and 
we through mercy escaped. And thus in little more than one hour's space, was their 
impregnable fort with themselves utterly destroyed, to the number of six or seven 
hundred as some of themselves confessed. There were only seven taken captive, and 
about seven escaped. Of the English there were two slain outright, and about twenty 
wounded ; some fainted by reason of the sharpness of the weather, it being a cool 
morning, and the want of such comforts and necessaries as are needful in such a case; 
especially our Chirurgeon was much wanting, whom we left with our barks in Nar- 
ragansett Bay, who had orders to remain until the night before our intended assault. 
And thereupon grew many difficulties ; our provision and munition near spent; we 
in the enemy's country, who did far exceed us in number, being much enraged, all our 
Indians except Onkos deserting us; our pinnaces at a great distance from us, and 
when they would come we were uncertain. But as we were consulting what course 
to take, it pleased God to discover our vessels to us before a fair gale of wind, sailing 
into Pequot Harbor, to our great rejoicing." 

" We had no sooner discovered our vessels, but immediately came up the enemy from 
the other fort — three hundred or more as we conceived. The Captain led out a file 
or two of men to skirmish with them, chiefly to try what temper they were of, who 
put them to a stand ; we being much encouraged thereat, presently prepared to march 
towards our vessels. Four or five of our men were so wounded that they must be 
carried with the arms of twenty more. We also being faint, were constrained to put 
four to one man, with the arms of the rest that were wounded to others ; so that we 
had but forty men free. At length we hired several Indians, who eased us of that 
burthen, in carrying off" our wounded men. And marching about one quarter of a 
mile, the enemy coming up to the place where the fort was, and beholding what was 
done, stamped and tore the hair from their heads ; and after a little space, came 
mounting down the hill upon us, in a full career, as if they would overrun us: but 
when they came within shot, the rear faced about, giving fire upon them : some of 
them being shot, made the rest more wary ; yet they held on running to and fro, and 
shooting their arrows at random. There was at the foot of the hill a small brook, 
where we rested and refreshed ourselves, having by that time taught them a little 
more manners than to disturb us. We then marched on towards Pequot Harbor, and 
falling upon several wigwams burnt them, the enemy still following us in the rear, 
which was to the windward, though to little purpose ; yet some of them lay in ambush, 
behind rocks and trees, often shooting at us, yet through mercy touched not one of us;' 
and as we came to any swamp or thicket, we made some shot to clear the passage! 
Some of them fell with our shot, and probably more might, but for want of munition ; 
but when any of them fell, our Indians would give a great shout, and then they would 
take so much courage as to fetch their heads. And thus we continued until we came 
within two miles of Pequot Harbor ; where the enemy gathered togethei and left us, 
we marching to the top of an hill adjoining the harbor, with our colors flying, having 
left our drum at the place of our rendezvous the night before ; we seeing our vessels 
there riding at anchor, to our great rejoicing, and came to the water side ; we sat down 
in quiet." 



316 



G II O T O N . 



Captain Mason and the Narragansett Indians, continued their march 
by land to Connecticut river, where they arrived on Saturday about 
sunset, " being nobly entertained by Lieutenant Gardner with many 
great guns." 

" .And when we had taken order for the safe conduct of the Narragansett Indi- 
ans, we repaired to the place of our abode; where we were entertained with great 
triumph and rejoicing, and praising God for his goodness to us, in succeeding our 
weak endeavors, in crowning us with success, and restoring of us with so little loss. 
Thus was God seen in the Mount, crushing his proud enemies, and the enemies of his 
people : they who were erewhile a terror to all that were round about them, who re- 
solved todestroy all the English and to root their very name out of this country, should 
by such weak means, even seventy-seven, there being no more at the fort, bring the 
mischief they plotted, and the violence they offered and exercised, upon their own 
heads in a moment; burning them up in the fire of his wrath, and dunging the ground 
with their flesh.'' 

In the addition given by Capt. Mason to his account, " by way of comment," he 
says, " our commons were very short, there being a general scarcity throughout the 
Cohmy of all suits of provisions, it being upon our first arrival at the place. We had 
Imi one 'pint of strong liquors among us in our whole march, but what the wilderness 
afforded, (the bottle of liquor being in my hand,) and when it was empty the very 
smelling to the bottle would presently recover such as had fainted away, which hap- 
pened by the extremity of the heat." " I still remember a speech of Mr. II oikei 

at our going abroad, that they 'should be bread for us.' " " I shall mention two or 

three special providences that God was pleased to vouchsafe to particular men, viz. 
two men, being one man's servants, namely John Dlcr and Thomas Stiles, were both 
of them shot in the knots of their handkerchiefs, being about their necks, and receiv- 
ed no hurt. Lieutenant Seeley was shot in the eyebrow with a flat headed arrow, the 
point turning downwards; I pulled it out myself. Lieutenant Bull had an arrow shot 
into a hard piece of cheese, having no other defense ; which may verify the old say- 
ing, ' A little armor would serve if a man knew where to place it.' Many such pro- 
vidences happened ; some respecting myself, but since there is none that witness to 
them, I shall forbear to mention them." 

Several circumstances (says Dr. Trumbull) attending this enterprise 
were much noticed by the soldiers themselves, and especially by all 
the pious people. It was considered very providential that the army 
should march nearly forty miles, and a considerable part of it in the ene- 
my's country, and not be discovered, until the moment they were ready 
to commence the attack. It was judged remarkable, that the vessels 
should come into the harbor at the very hour they were most needed. 
The life of Capt. Mason was very singularly preserved. As he enter- 
ed a wigwam for fire to burn the fort, an Indian was drawing an arrow 
to the very head and would have killed him immediately, but Davis, 
one of his sergeants, cut the bow-string with his cutlass, and prevented 
the fatal shot. 

" Few enterprises have been achieved with more personal bravery or 
good conduct. In few have so great a proportion of the effective men 
of a whole colony, state, or nation, been put to so great and immediate 
danger. In few have a people been so deeply and immediately inter- 
ested, as the whole colony of Connecticut was in this, in that uncommon 
crisis. In these respects even the great armaments and battles of Eu- 
rope are comparatively of little importance. In this, under the divine 
conduct, by seventy seven brave men, Connecticut was saved, and the 
most warlike and terrible nation in New England defeated and ruined. 

" There is a remnant of the Pequots still existing. They live in the 
town of Groton, and amount to forty souls in all, or perhaps a few more 
or less ; but do not vary much from that amount. They have about 



CROTON. 



317 



1100 acres of poor land reserved to them in Groton, on which they 
live. They are more mixed than the Moheagans with negro and white 
blood, yet are a distinct tribe and still retain a hatred to the Moheagans. 
A short lime since, I had an opportunity of seeing most of the tribe to- 
gether. They are more vicious, and not so decent or so good looking 
a people as the Moheagans. This however may be owing to their be- 
ing more mixed with other blood. It is very rare that there are any 
intermarriages with either of the tribes to each other ; they still, as far 
as circumstances admit, retain their old grudge. The most common 
name amongst them is Meazen : nearly half call themselves by that 
surname."* 




Northeastern view of Fort Hill, Groton. 

Fort Hill is situated four miles east from New London, and is ren- 
dered memorable on account of its being the seat of the royal fortress 
of Sassacus, the haughty chieftain of the Pequots. The building seen 
on the summit of the hill is the Baptist church ; the other building seen 
to the south is the residence of the Rev. Mr. Burrows, an aged Baptist 
clergyman, who has resided on this spot from his childhood. The fort 
of Sassacus is supposed to have stood between the house of Mr. B. and 
the church. This supposition is strongly confirmed, by the remains of 
human bones, shells, fish bones and parched corn, being found eighteen 
inches below the surface. Mr. Burrows states that he found a quantity 
of corn in a coal state, some of which he preserved many years ; he 
also found a pipe of soft stone, with abundance of arrow heads, &tc. 

" The body of the Pequots," (says Dr. Trumbull,) " returning from 
the pursuit of Capt. Mason, repaired to Sassacus, at the royal fortress, 
and related the doleful story of their misfortunes. They charged them 
all to his haughtiness and misconduct, and threatened him and his, with 

* Communication of Wm. T. Williams, Esq. in 1832. Mass. Hist. Coll. 3d vol. 
3d series, p. 134. 



31S LEBANON. 

immediate destruction. His friends and chief counselors interceded for 
him ; and, at their entreaty, his men spared his life. Then, upon con- 
sultation, they concluded that they could not, with safety, remain any 
longer in the country. They were indeed so panic-struck, that burn- 
ing their wigwams and destroying their fort, they fled and scattered 
into various parts of the country. Sassacus, Mononotto, and seventy 
or eighty of their chief counselors and chief warriors took their route 
towards Hudson river." 

The prospect from Mr. Burrows' house is one of the most command- 
ing, beautiful and extensive on the coast. Among the various objects 
to be viewed from this site, are 15 towns, 4 counties, 3 .states, 20 isl- 
ands, part of the city of New London, the whole of Stonington borough, 
Fort Griswold and the Monument, and 7 light-houses, with rivers, bays, 
&c. At the storming of Fort Griswold in the Revolutionary war, the 
women and children in the vicinity fled to this place, their husbands and 
fathers having hastened to the fort on the landing of the enemy. From 
Mr. Burrows' house the firing of each gun could be distinctly seen. It 
must have been an awful moment with such spectators, one of fearful 
and agonizing suspense, when they saw those whom they held most dear 
surrounded by an infuriated enemy, amid the "roar of death," engaged 
in murderous strife : added to this, the conflagration of New London be- 
yond, sending upward majestic columns of smoke and flame, must have 
rendered this a scene of indescribable interest and fearful sublimity. 



LEBANON. 



Lebanon is bounded n. by Columbia, e. by Windham and Franklin, 
w. by Colchester and Hebron, and southeast by Bozrah and Franklin. 
The average length from northeast to southwest is upwards of 7 miles, 
and it averages about the same distance in breadth. The surface is un- 
even, being moderately hilly. The soil is generally a rich, deep, unc- 
tuous mould, nearly of a chocolate color, fertile, and well adapted for 
grass. Agriculture is almost universally the business of the inhabitants. 
There are three societies in the town. Lebanon, Exeter and Goshen, in 
each of which there is a Congregational church ; there is also a Baptist 
church in Lebanon, or the first society. The central part of Lebanon, 
(seen in this view,) is 10 miles n. w. of Norwich city, and 30 s. e. from 
Hartford. 

The following is a south view of the Congregational church,* and other 
buildings in the vicinity, in the first society in Lebanon. The village 

* This building, which is of brick, stands on the sile of the old meeting house; at 
the erection of this house there was a great controversy and division of the society. 
It appears that the majority of the society wished to have the church erected 300 
rods north of its present location, ami accordingly it was decided by a vote of about 
two thirds of the society to take down the old house, and erect a new one at the dis- 
tance mentioned. The workmen having assembled to take down the old building, the 
minority, about eighteen in number, resisted the attempt. For this proceeding, they 
were fined to the extent of the law, as rioters; this was in 1804. This added fuel to 



LEBANON. 



319 




South view of the Congregational Church, Lebanon. 

is principally situated on a street about 30 rods broad and upwards of 
a mile in length. There were formerly more houses on this street than 
there are at the present time, there having been a tide of emigration 
kept up from this town since the Revolutionary war. The house, a 
part of which is seen on the extreme left of the engraving, is the resi- 
dence of Wm. T. Williams, Esq. a son of the signer of the Declaration • 
of Independence. This house is situated on the spot where Jonathan 
Trumbull, the patriotic governor of Connecticut, was born. The house 
in which the Governor resided, was situated on the spot where the first 
house north of Mr. Williams's now stands. The house of the Gov- 
ernor is still in existence, being removed a few rods north, and is the 
house seen in the distance, nearest the church. 

The following is a representation of Gov. Trumbull's houseand the 
old " War Office" so called ; this latter building is seen on the left, 
and is now occupied as a post office ; the projection in front is a modern 
addition. This was the building in which Gov. Trumbull transacted 
his public business during the Revolution. In those days traveling 
was generally performed on horseback ; the marks of the spurs of the 
horsemen, expresses, &c. are still seen on the side of the counter on 
which they sat, while waiting the Governor's orders. The Trumbull 
house is quite an ancient building. It is the house in which Colonel 
Trumbull, the painter, was born, and many distinguished personages 



the flame ; the majority made three attempts before they were able to get the building. 
At this period party spirit raged to a great extent. Col. Tilden, one of the majority, 
was removed from the public offices which he held, on account of the part he took in 
the controversy. The majority erected the present Baptist church, about 300 rods 
north of the brick church. Baptist clergymen were invited into the place to preach 
for them, and the Baptist society is now the largest in the place. The Legislature, 
who favored the views of the minority, granted them a lottery, in order to erect a 
church. The opposite party were fully of the opinion that the Legislature improperly 
interfered in the concerns of the society. 



320 



LEBANON 




" War Ojjict" and Gov. TrumbuWs House, Lebanon. 

have been within its walls. Gen. Washington, Dr. Franklin, Jeffer- 
son, Rochambeau and La Fayette, have all, it is believed, been lodged 
in this house. The Governor generally had a guard of about half a 
dozen men to protect his person, as there was some danger at that pe- 
riod of being seized in the night season and carried oif to the enemy. 
Some alarm was caused at one time by a traveler coming into the house, 
in the garb of a beggar, and insisting upon seeing the Governor, who 
at that time was unwell. Mrs. Hyde, his housekeeper, not liking his 
appearance and actions, seizing the shovel and tongs, drove him out of 
the house, and called the guard, who came to her assistance, but the 
beggar was no where to be found. 

This town rendered most efficient aid to the American cause during 
the Revolution ; upwards of 500 men from this town alone (which then 
included Columbia and a small part of Hebron) were in the army at 
one time. — De Lauzun's legion, consisting of about 500 horsemen, win- 
tered here ; their encampment was a little west of the church. Rocham- 
beau with five regiments stayed here about three weeks, and while here 
Gen. Washington arrived, stayed three days, and reviewed the French 
troops, who were under the most perfect discipline. While the French 
were here one of their number was shot for desertion. The court mar- 
tial was held in the guard house, after 9 o'clock at night, and the soldier 
executed before day. It is supposed that they were fearful, that if Gov. 
Trumbull came to the knowledge of the soldier's being condemned to 
death, he would endeavor to save his life. 

The town of Lebanon originally consisted of a number of pieces of 
land, purchased by different persons at different times, but afterwards 
united into one town. There were four proprieties ; the first was a pur- 
chase of five miles in length and three in width, extending from Wind- 
ham line on the northeast part, southwesterly to the bounds of Hebron 
and Colchester. This tract was purchased of Owanecho, sachem of 
the Mohegans. The grant was dated 1698, and is called the five mile 
purchase. The second propriety was a tract of five miles in length 
and one in breadth, lying south and adjoining the five mile purchase. 
It was a grant made by Owanecho to the Rev. Mr. Fitch and the fa- 



I- EUAN ON. 821 

mous Major John Mason. This grant was made in 1G95. The third 
propriety was called the Clark and Dewey purchase, from the names 
of the first owners and settlers. This tract was obtained in 1708; it 
was of a triangular form, leaving a small gore between the five mile 
purchase and the Windham bounds. This gore was the fourth pro- 
priety. It was about half a mile in length, and from ten to iwo hun- 
dred rods in width, and called the Whiting purchase. 

These different tracts of land were united by agreement among the 
planters, about the year 1700. The settlers on the one mile propriety 
wished, for the convenience of public worship, to join those of the five 
mile purchase, and it was agreed that the meeting house should he pla- 
ced on the center line of the two tracts, north and south ; other parts 
of the town also united with them. The first clergyman ordained in 
the town was the Rev. Joseph Parsons, who was ordained or installed 
here in November, 1700. 

" Jonathan Trumbull, governor of Connecticut, was a descendant 
from the early settlers of New England. Two brothers of the name 
came from the west of England into the Massachusetts colony. The 
one fixed at Charlestown, the other at Ipswich. The father of Gov. 
Trumbull was a substantial farmer, in the town of Lebanon, Conn. 
When lie was a young man he went to this place, and was one of the 
first settlers, in the year 1700. He emigrated from Westfield in the 
county of Hampshire, where his father had removed from Ipswich, who 
was among the most respectable of the yeomanry. The Governor was 
born at Lebanon, in 1710. In the year 1723, he entered Harvard Col- 
lege. He early discovered fine talents and a most amiable disposition. 
He was a modest, ingenuous youth, very bashful when he first entered 
college, owing to his tender years, as well as retired situation ; but he 
was much beloved by his classmates, and when he took his degree, one 
of the finest scholars, with such accomplishments as qualified him to be 
useful, as well as to make the most conspicuous figure. He was fond 
of the study of divinity, and for some years was a preacher of the gospel ; 
he then turned his attention to jurisprudence, and soon became an emi- 
nent civilian. It is an observation of Mr. Hutchinson, ' that many of 
the first characters in Massachusetts, were at first probationers for the 
ministry, and afterwards made a figure at the bar, or in the legislative or 
executive courts of the province.' We recollect the names of Stough- 
ton, Read, Gridley, and judge Stephen Sewall. That gentleman adds, 
when persons have been ordained, they ought ' to have very special 
reasons to leave the profession for a civil employment.' We have seen 
an instance of this in Gov. Saltonstall, where the public was much bene- 
fitted. 

"Gov. Trumbull was employed in many civil offices, all of which he 
executed with great fidelity, and grew in the esteem of the people as 
he advanced in years. He was an active man in public life 51 years, 
15 of which he was governor of Connecticut colony. W 7 hen he first 
went into this office it required a man of prudence, firmness, consistency 
and ability to manage affairs. A good pilot is necessary for every bark 

41 



322 LEBANON. 

which sails on the tempestuous sea. In Connecticut the appearance 
was more tranquil than the neighboring province, but the clouds were 
gathering which soon darkened the face of the couutry. Gov. Trum- 
bull saw the storm burst upon Massachusetts in 1775 ; he lived to see 
the auspicious day, also, when his country enjoyed the blessings of 
peace, and the glory of her independence. ]\o man could guide the 
vessel of state with more care. No man ever loved his country more. 
During the whole American war, he showed himself the honest and un- 
shaken patriot, the wise and able magistrate. In an excellent speech 
he made to the General Assembly, October, 1783, he thus expressed 
himself, ' I have to request the favor of you, gentlemen, and through 
you of all the freemen of the state, that after May next, I may be ex- 
cused from any further service in public life, and from this time I may 
no longer be considered as an object for your suffrages for any public 
employment. The reasonableness of the request I am persuaded will 
be questioned by no one. The length of time I have devoted to their 
service, with my declining state of vigor and activity, will I please my- 
self form forme a sufficient and unfailing excuse with my fellow citizens.' 

"This excellent man departed this life on the 17th (?) of August, 
1785. at his seat in Lebanon, in the 75th year of his age. His father 
had lived the same number of years. 

" Gov. Trumbull made a great collection of papers, manuscripts, he. 
which were presented by the family to the Massachusetts Historical So- 
ciety ; several of them have been printed in the volumes of their col- 
lections."* 

Jonathan Trumbull, LL. D., a son of the preceding governor, was 
educated at Harvard College, " where he graduated, having gone 
through with the usual course of collegiate studies with unusual repu- 
tation. In 1775, at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, he 
was appointed by Congress paymaster in the northern department, and 
soon after secretary and aid to General Washington. He was for sev- 
eral years a member of the State legislature, and Speaker of the House. 
In 1790, he was chosen a representative in Congress from this State ; 
and in 1791, he was appointed Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives, in which situation he continued until 1794, when he was elected 
a Senator in the Senate of the United States. In 1796, he was chosen 
by the freemen lieutenant governor of the Slate, and in 1798, governor. 
He was annually re-elected to this office for eleven years in succession, 
and until his death, in 1809. He was 69 years of age. Governor 
Trumbull was a man of handsome talents, of very respectable acquire- 
ments, of amiable manners, and was distinguished for his social virtues. 
The confidence of his fellow citizens, which he so long enjoyed in a 
very eminent degree, affords the most satisfactory evidence of his talents 
and virtues. "f 

Guilford Dudley Y-oy,ng was a native of this town. In the last war 
with Great Britain, he was a major, and afterwards a colonel in the 
U. S. army. On the 23d of October, 1812, with a small detachment 



Elliot's Biographical J I Pease and Niles' Gazetteer. 



LEBANON. 323 

of militia, Major Young surprised a party of the enemy at St. Regis, 
captured the two captains, 1 lieutenant, 2 sergeants, 35 privates, and 
brought off one stand of colors, the first taken from the enemy during 
the war. This officer, after the war, entered the Patriot service, under 
Gen. Mina, and lost his life in the struggle for Mexican independence, 
in 1817. The Patriots, 269 in number, had possession of a small fort, 
which was invested by a Royalist force of 3500 men. The supplies 
of provision and water being cut off, the sufferings of the garrison, and 
women and children in the fort, became intolerable ; many of the 
soldiers deserted, so that not more than 150 effective men remained. 
Colonel Young, however, knowing the perfidy of the enemy, determined 
to defend the fort to the last. After having bravely defeated the enemy 
in a number of their endeavors to carry the fort by storm, Col. Young 
was killed by a cannon shot from the battery raised against the fort. 

" On the enemy's last retreat, the Colonel, anxious to observe all 
their movements, fearlessly exposed his person, by stepping on a large 
stone on the ramparts; and, while conversing with Dr. Hennessey on 
the successes of the day, and on the dastardly conduct of the enemy, 
the last shot that was fired from their battery carried off his head. 
Colonel Young was an officer whom, next to Mina, the American part 
of the division had been accustomed to respect and admire. In every 
action, he had been conspicuous for his daring courage and skill. Mina 
reposed unbounded confidence in him. In the hour of danger he was 
collected, gave his orders with precision, and, sword in hand, was always 
in the hottest of the combat. Honor and firmness marked all his actions. 
He was generous in the extreme, and endured privations with a cheer- 
fulness superior to that of any other officer in the division. He had 
been in the United States' service, as lieutenant colonel of the twenty 
ninth regiment of infantry. His body was interred by the few Ameri- 
cans who could be spared from duty, with every possible mark of honor 
and respect ; and the general gloom which pervaded the division on 
this occasion, was the sincerest tribute that could be offered by them to 
the memory of their brave chief."* 



The Rev. James Fitch, the first minister in Norwich, died at Leba- 
non, in the 80th year of his age. It appears that there were two 
brothers, Thomas and James Fitch, or, in the ancient way of writing 
the name, Fytche, who came from Bocking in the county of Essex, 
England, to America, in 1638. Thomas settled at Norwalk, and was 
father of Thomas Fitch, governor of the colony of Connecticut. The 
Rev. James Fitch married for his first wife a daughter of the Rev. 
Henry Whitfield, of Guilford. His second wife was Priscilla Mason, 
daughter of Major John Mason, the celebrated commander of the expe- 
dition against the Pequots.f By his two wives he had fourteen chil- 
dren; all except one lived to have families of children. His history and 
character are given in the inscription on his monument, in the Lebanon 
burying ground, viz. 

* Robinson's Mexican Revolution. 

t Alden's Collection of Epitaphs, &c. 4th volume. 



124 



I- E B A NON. 



In lioc Sepulchro depositee sunt Reliquiae Viri vere Reverendi D. Jacobi Fitcip "«- 
tus luit apud Boking, in Comitatu Essexiae, in Anglia, Anno Domini 1622, Decern. 24. 
U.ui, postqnam Linguisliteratisoptimeinstruclusfuisset, in Nov-Angliam venit, ^Etate 
lii. et deinde Vitain degit, Hartfordiae, per Septennium, sub Instruclione Virorum 
celeberrimorum D. Hooked >S; D. Stone. Postea Munere pastorali functus est apud 
Say-Brook per Annos 14. Illinc cum Ecclesiae majon Parte Norvicnm migravit; et 
ibi cseteros Vita? Annos transegit in Opere Evangelico. In Senectute, vero prae Cor- 
poris inlirmitatc necessarie cessabit ab Opere publico; tandemque recessit Libeiis, 
apud Lebanon ; ubi Semianno fere exacto obdormivit in Jesu, Anno 1702, Novembris 
18, Mint. 80. 

Vir Ingenii Acumine, Pondere Judicii, Prudentia, Charitate, Sanctis Laboribus, et 
omni moda Vitae sanctitate, Peritia quoque et Vi concionandi nulli secundus. 

Which may be rendered into English in the following manner. 

In this grave are deposited the remains of that truly reverend man, Mr. James 
Fitch. He was born at Boking, in the county of Essex, in England, the 24th of 
December, in the year of our Lord 1622. Who, after he had been most excellently 
taughl the learned languages, came into New England, at the age of sixteen ; and 
then spent seven yens under the instruction of those very famous men, Mr. Hooker 
and Mr. Stone. Afterwards, he discharged the pastoral office, fourteen years at Say- 
brook. Thence he removed, with the major part of his church, to Norwich ; where 
he spent the other years of his life in the work of the gospel. In his old age, indeed, 
he was obliged to cease from bis public labors, by reason of bodily indisposition ; and 
at length retired to his children at Lebanon ; where, after spending nearly half a year, 
he slept in Jesus, in the year 1702, on the 18th day of November, in the 80th year of 
his age. 

He was a man, as to the smartness of his genius, the solidity of his judgment, his 
charity, holy labors, and every kind of purity of life, and also as to his skill and energy 
of preaching, inferior to none. 

lit 




Tomb of the Trumbull family, Lebanon. 

It is believed that no cemetery in this country contains the ashes 
of more Revolutionary worthies than the above. The remains of two 
governors, one commissary general, and a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, are deposited within its walls. The following inscrip- 
tions are on the pedestal standing on the tomb. 

Sacred to the memory of Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. who unaided by birth or power- 
ful connexions, but blessed with a noble and virtuous mind, arrived to the highest sta- 
tion in government. His patriotism and firmness during 50 years employment in 



LEDYARD. 325 

public life, and particularly in the very imoprtant part he acted in the American Rev- 
olution, as Governor of Connecticut; the faithful page of History will record. 

Full of years and honors, rich in benevolence, and firm in the faith and hopes of 
Christianity, he died August 9th, 1785, ;Etatis75. 

Sacred to the memory of Madam Faith Trumbull, the amiable lady of Gov. Trum- 
bull, born at Doxbury, Mass. A. D. 1718. Happy and beloved in her connubial state, 
she lived a virtuous, charitable, and Christian life at Lebanon, in Connecticut ; and 
died lamented by numerous friends, A. D. 1780, aged 62 years. 

Sacred to the memory of Joseph Trumbull, eldest son of Governor Trumbull, and 
first Commissary Genl. of the United States of America. A service to whose perpet- 
ual cares and fatigues he fell a sacrifice, A. D. 1778, JEt. 42. Full soon indeed may 
his person, his virtues, and even his extensive Benevolence be forgotten by his friends 
and fellow men. But blessed be God! for the Hope that in his presence he shall be 
remembered forever. 



To the memory of Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. late Governor of the State of Connec- 
ticut. He was born March 36th, 1740, and died Aug. 7th, 1809, aged 69 years. His 
remains were deposited with those of his Father. 

This inscription is on a marble monument, standing in front of the 

tomb. 

The remains of the Hono. William Williams are deposited in this Tomb: born 
April 8ili, 1731 : died the 2d of Aug. 1811, in the 81st year of his age, a man eminent 
tor his virtues and Piety, — for more than 50 years he was constantly employed in 
Public Life, and served in many of the most important offices in the gift of ins fellow 
citizens. During the whole period of the Revolutionary war, he was a firm, steady, 
and ardent friend of his country, and in the darkest times risked his life and wealth 
in her defense. In 1776 and 1777, he was a member of the American Congress, and 
as such signed the Declaration of Independence. His public and private virtues, his 
piety and benevolence, will long endear his memory to his surviving friends, — above 
all, he was a sincere Christian, and in his last moments placed his hope with humble 
confidence in his Redeemer. He had the inexpressible satisfaction to look back upon 
a long, honorable, and well spent life. 

Reader, 
as thou passest, drop a tear to the memory of the once eminent Academic Instructor 
Nathan Tisdale, a lover of Science. Pie marked the road tO useful knowledge. A 
friend to his country, he inspired the fiarne of Patriotism. A lover of liberty and 
Religion, he taught others to love Liberty and aspire to a happy immortality. Having 
devoted his whole life from the JSih year of his age, to the duties of his profession, 
which he followed with distinguished usefulness to Society, he died Jan'y 5th, 1787, in 
the 56th year of his a?e. 



LEDYARD 



Ledy.ard, formerly North Groton, the north part of Groton, was in- 
corporated as a town in 1836. It is about six miles square, bounded 
n. by Preston, e. by North Stonington and Stonington, s. by Groton, 
and w. by Thames river, separating it from Montville. The central 
part of the town is Ik miles from New London, and lh from Norwich. 
It is estimated that the population is about 2,000. The inhabitants are 
principally farmers. The principal village in the town, is at Gale's ferry, 
which may consist of about thirty dwelling houses, and is about 7 miles 
from New London. A remnant of the Pequot tribe, consisting of about 
twenty persons, still remain in the northeast section of the town. 

This town derived its name from Col. Ledyard, and his relative, John 
Ledyard, the celebrated traveler, who was a native of Groton, which at 



326 LEDTARD. 

that time included this town within its limits. The following account 
of his life is from Allen's American Biographical Dictionary. 

" John Ledyard, a distinguished traveler, was a native of Groton in 
Connecticut. His father died while he was yet a child, and he was 
left under the care of a relative in Hartford. Here he enjoyed the ad- 
vantages of a grammar school. After the death of his patron, when he 
was eighteen years of age, he was left to follow his own inclinations. 
With a view to the study of divinity he now passed a short time in 
Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, where he had an opportunity 
of learning the manners of the Indians, as there was a number of Indian 
pupils in the seminary. His acquaintance with the savage character 
gained in this place, was of no little advantage to him in the future pe- 
riods of his life. His poverty obliging him to withdraw from the Col- 
lege before he had completed his education, and not having a shilling 
in his pocket to defray the expense of a journey to Hartford, he built 
him a canoe, fifty feet in length, and three in breadth, and being gen- 
erously supplied with some dried venison for his sea stores, he em- 
barked upon the Connecticut, and going down that river, which is in 
many places rapid, and with which he was totally unacquainted, he ar- 
rived safely at Hartford, at the distance of one hundred and forty miles. 

" He soon went to New York, and sailed for London in 1771, as a common sailor. 
When Captain Cook sailed on his third voyage of discovery, Ledyard, who felt an 
irresistible desire to explore those regions of the globe which were yet undiscovered 
or imperfectly known, accepted the humble station of corporal of marines, rather than 
forego an opportunity so inviting to his inquisitive and adventurous spirit. He was 
a favorite of the illustrious navigator, and was one of the witnesses of his tragical end 
in 1778. He surprised his friends in America, who had heard nothing of him for ten 
years, by a visit in 1781. Having offered his services to several merchants to conduct 
a trailing voyage to the northwest coast and meeting with no encouragement, he 
again embarked for England in 1782. He now resolved to traverse the continent of 
America from the northwest coast, which Cook had partly explored, to the eastern 
coast, with which he was already perfectly familiar. Disappointed in his intention of 
sailing on a voyage of commercial adventure to Nootka sound, he passed the British 
channel to Ostend, with only ten guineas in his purse, determined to travel over land 
toKamschatka, whencethe passage is short to the western coast of America. When he 
came to the gulf of Bothnia, he attempted to cross the ice, that he might reach Kam- 
schatka by the shortest way ; but finding that the water was not frozen in the middle, 
he returned to Stockholm. He then traveled northward into the arctic circle; and 
passing round the head of the gulf, descended on its eastern side to Petersburgh. 
There his extraordinary appearance attracted general notice. Without stockings or 
shoes, and too poor to provide himself with either, he was invited to dine with the 
Portuguese ambassador, who supplied him with twenty guineas on the credit of Sir 
Joseph Banks. Through his interest, he also obtained permission to accompany a 
detachment of stores, which was to be sent to Yakutz for the use of Mr. Billings, an 
Englishman, who was intrusted with the schemes of northern discovery, in which 
the Empress was then engaged. From Yakutz, which is situated in Siberia, six thou- 
sand miles east of Petersburgh, he proceeded to Oczakow, or Ochotsk, on the Kam- 
schatkan sea ; but as the navigation was completely obstructed by ice, he returned to 
Yakutz, intending to wait for the conclusion of the winter. Here, in consequence of 
some unaccountable suspicion, he was seized in the name of the Empress by two Rus- 
sian soldiers, who conveyed him, in the depth of winter, through the north of Tartary 
to the frontier of the Polish dominions, assuring him at their departure, that if he re- 
turned to Russia, he should certainly be hanged, but if he chose to return to England, 
they wished him a pleasant journey. Poor, forlorn, and friendless, covered with rags, 
and exhausted by fatigue, disease and misery, he proceeded to Konigsberg, where the 
interest of Sir Joseph Banks enabled him to procure the sum of five guineas, by means 
of which he arrived in England. 

" He immediately waited on Sir Joseph, who recommended him to an adventure as 
perilous as that from which he had just returned. He now was informed of the views 



LEDTARD. 327 

of the association, which had been lately formed for promoting the discovery of the 
interior parts of Africa, which were then little known. Sparrman.Paterson and Vail- 
lant had traveled into Caffraria, and Norden and Bruce had enlarged the acquaint- 
ance of Europeans with Egypt, Nubia and Abyssinia. In regard to other parts of 
this quarter of the globe, its geography, excepting in relation to its coasts, was in- 
volved in darkness. Ledyard engaged with enthusiasm in an enterprise which he 
had already projected for himself: and receiving from Sir Joseph a letter of intro- 
duction to one of the members of the committee appointed to direct the business, and 
promote the object of the association, he went to him without delay. The descrip- 
tion which that gentleman has given of his first interview, strongly marks the charac- 
ter of this hardy traveler. ' Before I had learned,' says he, ' from the note the name 
and business of my visitor, I was struck with the manliness of his person, the breadth 
of his chest, the openness of his countenance, and the inquietude of his eye. I spread 
the map of Africa before him, and tracing a line from Cairo to Sennaar, and from 
thence westward in the latitude and supposed direction of the Niger, I told him that 
was the route, by which I was anxious that Africa might, if possible be explored. He 
said, he should think himself singularly fortunate to be entrusted with the adventure. 
I asked him when he would set out ? To-morrow morning, was his answer.' 

"From such zeal, decision and intrepidity, the society naturally formed the mosi 
sanguine expectations. He sailed from London, June 30, 17S8, and in thirty six days, 
seven of which were spent in Pans, and two at Marseilles, arrived in the city of Al- 
exandria; and having there assumed the dress of an Egyptian traveler, proceeded to 
Cairo, which he reached on the nineteenth of August. He traveled with peculiar 
advantages. Endowed with an original and comprehensive genius, he beheld with 
interest, and described with energy, the scenes and objects around him ; and by com- 
paring them with what he had seen in other regions of the globe, he was enabled to 
give his narrative all the varied effect of contrast and resemblance. His remarks on 
LowerEgypt, had that country been less generally known, might have ranked with the 
most valuableof geographical records. Theygreatly heightened the opinion which his 
employers already entertained, of his singular qualifications for the task which he had 
undertaken. Nor was his residence at Cairo altogether useless to the association. 
By visiting the slave markets, and by conversing with theJelabs, or traveling mer- 
chants of the caravans, he obtained, without any expense, a better idea of the people 
of Africa, of its trade, of the position of places, the nature of the country, and the man- 
ner of traveling, than he could by any other means have acquired ; and the communi- 
cations on these subjects, which he transmitted to England, interesting and instructive 
as they were, afforded the society the most gratifying proofs of the ardent spirit of 
enquiry, the unwearied attention, the persevering research, and the laborious, inde- 
fatigable, anxious zeal, with which their author pursued the object of his mission. 

" He had announced to his employers, that he had received letters of earnest re- 
commendation from the Aga ; that the day of his departure was appointed ; that his 
next dispatch would be dated from Sennaar; and the committee expected with im- 
patience the result of his journey. But that journey was never to be performed. The 
vexation occasioned by repeated delays in the departure of the caravan, brought on a 
bilious complaint, which being increased at first by incautious treatment, baffled the 
skill of the most approved physicians of Cairo, and terminated his earthly existence, 
January 17, 17.^'.). 

"The society heard with deep concern the death of a man, whose high sense of honor, 
magnanimous contempt of danger, and earnest zeal for the extension of knowledge, 
had been so conspicuously displayed in their service ; whose ardor, tempered by calm 
deliberation, whose daringspirit, seconded by the mostprudent caution, and whose im- 
patience of control, united with the power of supporting any fatigue, seemed to have 
qualified him above all other men, for the very arduous task of traversing the wildest 
and most dangerous part of the continent of Africa. Despising the accidental dis- 
tinctions of society, he seemed to regard no man as his superior; but his manners, 
though unpolished, were not disagreeable. His uncultivated genius was peculiar and 
capacious. The hardships to which he submitted in the prosecution of his enterprises 
and in the indulgence of his curiosity, are almost incredible. He was sometimes 
glad to receive food as in charity to a madman, for that character he had been obliged 
to assume in order to avoid a heavier calamity. His judgment of the female charac- 
ter is very honorable to the sex. ' I have always remarked,' says he, ' that women in 
all countries are civil and obliging, tender and humane : that they are ever inclined 
to be gay and cheerful, timorous and modest; and that they do not hesitate, like men, 
to perform a generous action. Not haughty, nor arrogant, nor supercilious, they are 
full of courtesy, and fond of society ; more liable in general to err than man, bnt in 
general also more virtuous, and performing more good actions, than he. To a woman, 
whether civilized or savage, I never addressed mys&lf, in the language of decency 



328 LISBON. LYME. 

and friendship, without receiving a decent and friendly answer. With man it has 
often been otherwise. In wandering over the barren plains of inhospitable Denmark, 
through honest Sweden and frozen Lapland, rude and churlish Finland, unprincipled 
Russia, and the wide spread regions of the wandering Tartar; if hungry, dry. cold, 
wet, or sick, the women have ever been friendly to me, and uniformly so. And add 
to this virtue, so worthy the appellation of benevolence, their actions have been per- 
formed in so free and kind a manner, that if I was dry, 1 drank the sweetest draught, 
and if hungry, I ate the coarsest morsel, Avith a double relish.' " 



LISBON 



Lisbon was formerly included within the limits of Norwich. It was 
incorporated as a distinct town in 1786. It is a small irregular town- 
ship, being the point of land between the Quinnebaug and Shetucket 
rivers, which unite at the southern point of the town. It is bounded 
north by Windham and Canterbury, westwardly by the Shetucket, sep- 
arating it from Norwich and Franklin, and eastwardly by the Quinne- 
baug, dividing it from Griswold and Preston. 

The township is uneven and hilly. The prevailing character of the 
soil is a gravelly loam, occasionally interspersed with a sandy loam, espe- 
cially in the valleys, and it is considerably fertile and productive. There 
are small intervals or tracts of alluvial soil upon the borders of the riv- 
er. The inhabitants are generally farmers, who are mostly in good 
circumstances. The township is divided into two parishes, Newent and 
Hanover, having a Congregational church in each place. There is a 
woolen and silk factory in the society of Hanover, the north part of 
the town. 

Lisbon appears to have remained stationary in regard to the number 
of its inhabitants, for a considerable period. In 1800 the population 
was 1,158; in 1810, it was reduced to 1,128. In 1830, the number 
was 1,161. The central part of the town is seven miles from Norwich, 
and forty five s. e. from Hartford. 



LYME. 



Lyme was first settled about 1664. Its first English name was East 
Saybrook, being then a part of the town of Saybrook. It was incor- 
porated as a distinct town, by the name of Lyme, in 1667. The In- 
dian name for the eastern part of the town was Nehantic. It is bounded 
north by East Haddam and Salem, west by Connecticut river, dividing 
it from Saybrook, east by Waterford and Montville, and south by Long 
Island sound. The township comprises an area of about 80 square 
miles, being 10 miles long from north to south, and 8 broad. 

" From Nehantic river, four miles westward, a tract extending from 
the Sound to the northern boundary of Lyme and New London was re- 
served for the Indians, when those townships were incorporated. Some 
time afterward, the inhabitants of both united in a petition to the Le- 
gislature, to include these lands within their limits. The Legislature 
granted the petition, without determining upon the dividing line. New 



LYME 



329 



London proposed to take three miles in width, and leave one to Lyme. 
Lyme made a similar proposal to New London. The distance to the 
seat of government was fifty miles. The journey lay through a wil- 
derness inhabited by savages, and crossed by numerous streams, over 
which no bridges were erected. The land, though now of considerable 
value, was then regarded as a trilling object. The expense of appoint- 
ing agents to manage the cause before the Legislature was considerable, 
and the hazard of the journey not small. In this situation, the inhabi- 
tants of both townships agreed to settle their respective titles to the 
land in controversy, by a combat between two champions to be chosen 
by each for that purpose. New London selected two men by the names 
of Picket and Latimer. Lyme committed its cause to two others, na- 
med Griswold and Ely. On a day mutually appointed, the champions 
appeared in the field, and fought with their fists, till victory declared 
in favor of each of the Lyme combatants. Lyme then quietly took 
possession of the controverted tract, and has held it undisputed to the 
present day."* 




West vietv of Lyme. 

The above shows the appearance of the Congregational church in 
Lyme, and the buildings in the vicinity. The village is situated on a 
plain, about half a mile or more back from Connecticut river, on a 
street running parallel to it. The elevated ground seen in the distance 
is one of the Church Hills, so called probably from the circumstance 
of the first church having been built near the summit of one of these 
elevations, upwards of half a mile eastward of the present church. This 
part of Lyme is 15 miles from New London, and 40 from Hartford. 
There are 6 houses of worship, 4 Congregational, and 2 Baptist. There 
are 4 post offices in the town, viz. Lyme, Hamburg, North Lyme, and 
East Lyme. There are 1 cotton and 2 woolen factories. 



* Dr. Dwight's Travels, Vol. 2. 
42 



330 



L Y M E 



The surface of the town is strikingly diversified. About one half of 
it is level, or moderately hilly, comprising the borders of the Sound, its 
bays and inlets, the large tracts of salt marsh, the numerous and ex- 
tensive intervals on the rivers and other sections. The other division 
of the township is stony and mountainous. Near the mouth of Four 
mile river, several distinct ridges commence, consisting of a succession 
of hills, which range northwardly, and become more elevated as they 
extend into the interior. Within this town, north of Eight mile river, 
near the Connecticut river, commences one of the branches of granitic 
mountains, which extends northwardly through the state into Massa- 
chusetts, and constitutes the height of land which divides the waters 
that run westwardly into the Connecticut, from those that run into the 
Thames and other streams. The bodies of salt marsh and meadows 
upon the rivers are extensive and productive, the former affording large 
quantities of salt hay, and the latter producing fresh hay, grain, &c. 
The hilly and mountainous parts of the town do not admit of a general 
cultivation of grain, but afford good grazing. 




South view of the Gov. Griswold House, in Lyme. 

The above is a representation of the house erected by Roger Gris- 
wold, the last governor of the name, now in possession of Mr. Matthew 
Griswold. Being near the sea shore, it commands an extensive and 
delightful prospect of the Sound. It is about three miles s. e. of the 
Congregational church in Lyme, in Black Hall, a place which ever 
has been in the possession of the Griswold family, since the first settle- 
ment of Lyme. Matthew Griswold, the ancestor of the present Gris- 
wolds, appears to have been one of the first settlers of Lyme ; he had 
also three brothers, who came over from England, Thomas, John, and 
George. Thomas settled at Windsor, John at Wethersficld, and George 
at Saybrook. The following was extracted from a manuscript in the 
family Bible of Judge Griswold. "Matthew first went to Windsor, 
married Annah Wolcott, daughter of the first Henry Wolcott, and was 



LYME. 331 

by trade a stone cutter ; he made a stone table now standing over the 
grave of his father-in-law, the letters of which were cut deep, are now 
wholly obliterated.* Before Major Fenwick left Saybrook, he, (Fen- 
wick.) committed all his public as well as his private concerns to said 
Matthew Griswold. Matthew Griswold was the first Commissioner, or 
Justice of the Peace, in Saybrook. The town of Saybrook formerly 
contained the lands now lying in Lyme. Soon after the settlement of 
all the concerns of said Fenwick, Matthew Griswold removed to Black 
Hall, lying on the east side of Connecticut river, in the town of Lyme, 
(that being named after the native town of said Griswold, viz. Lyme 
Regis.) Black Hall took its name from the circumstance of said Gris- 
wold's building a log hut on his farm in Lyme, where he had an old 
negro, who used to sleep there before any white person had dared to 
spend a night on the east side of Connecticut river, for fear of the In- 
dians. It was called the Blade's Hall, and from that took the name 
of Black Hall. Near the door of said Griswold's he dug a well ; two 
other houses have been built since the first, and the said well is now 
used, and ever has been used, by some of his descendants." 

" Matthew Griswold, the first governor of that name, descended from 
a reputable family, and was born in Lyme, March 25ih, 1714. As he 
was not favored with a public education, he spent his earliest days in the 
more retired walks in life. But possessing naturally a strong and in- 
quisitive mind, accompanied with a desire to be useful to mankind, at 
the age of about twenty five he commenced the study of the law, and 
by his intense application, without the aid of an instructor, acquired that 
knowledge of the science of the law which was necessary to enter on 
his professional employment, and was soon admitted to the bar. In his 
profession he soon distinguished himself, as an able, upright, and faithful 
advocate. He served many years as counselor, and also as king's attor- 
ney, with integrity and reputation. On the 11th of November, 1743, 
he married Miss Ursula Wolcott, daughter of the Hon. Roger Wolcott, 
formerly governor of Connecticut. In the year 1751, he was first 
elected a representative to the General Assembly, and was chosen a 
number of years successively. In 1755, he was put into nomination 
for, and in 1759 was elected into the council of the state. In 1766, 
he was appointed one of the judges of the superior court, and in 1769 
was elected lieutenant governor, with which office was connected that 
of chief justice of the State. In 1784, he was chosen governor, and 
in 1786 he retired from public life, until the adoption of the Constitu- 
tion of the United States, by the convention of this state, in 1788, when 
he was called to officiate as president of that body. In all these various 
offices, he distinguished himself as a faithful servant of the public. 

" But if we descend to the more private walks of life, and view his 
character as a private citizen, we shall find the social sweetly blended 
with the christian virtues. He possessed a benevolent disposition, which 
rendered his deportment truly engaging, in all the domestic relations. 

* This must be a mistake, or the letters must have been re-cut, as they are very 
distinct ;— see account of Windsor, p. 132. 



332 



LYME. 



" Having a frank and an open heart, he was sincere in all his profes- 
sions of friendship, and consequently enjoyed the confidence and esteem 
of a numerous and extensive acquaintance. He was truly hospitable, 
and abounded in acts of charity. The children of want he never sent 
empty from his door, but guided by a real sympathy, he fed the hun- 
gry, clothed the naked, and relieved the distressed. He died April 
28th, 1799, in the 85th year of his age. 

" Roger Griswold, the second governor of that name, was the son of 
the former governor. He was born at Lyme, May 21, 17G2, and edu- 
cated at Yale College, where he graduated in 1780. In 1783, he 
commenced the practice of the law, and soon became extensively en- 
gaged in professional business, and acquired a high reputation as a pro- 
found lawyer and advocate. In 17S9, when he was but thirty two 
years of age, he was removed from a lucrative and extensive practice 
to the councils of the nation, being elected a representative from this 
State to the Congress of the United States. 

" In 1801, at the close of President Adams' administration, he was 
nominated to be secretary of war, but declined to accept the office. In 
1807, he was appointed a judge of the superior court; and in 1809, he 
was elected lieutenant governor, which office he held until the spring of 
1811, when the freemen elected him governor. This period, embra- 
cing the first five months after the declaration of the late war with 
Great Britain, was one of peculiar excitement and difficulty, and during 
which he was subject to an occasional severe indisposition. 

" He was a member of Congress for ten years, embracing a part of 
the administration of Washington, the whole of that of the elder Adams, 
and a part of that of Jefferson. This was a very important and inter- 
esting period, not only from the political events of this country, but from 
the great convulsions which agitated all Europe ; and it was during this 
period, while in Congress, that Roger Griswold was most distinguished. 
During a considerable part of this time, he ranked among the first of his 
party, and was equally distinguished for his powerful talents in debate, 
and the independence and decision of his conduct. He remained but a 
short time on the bench of the superior court, and still shorter in the 
seat of chief magistrate. 

"Few men in Connecticut have been more distinguished as lawyers 
and statesmen than Roger Griswold ; and few have been more univer- 
sally esteemed and beloved. He lived in a critical and eventful period 
of our political existence, and pre-eminently ' acted well his part,' de- 
serving and receiving the highest honors his native state could confer 
upon him. He died at Norwich, in October, 1812,, and his remains 
were conveyed to Lyme for interment. An eulogy upon his character 
was delivered before both houses of the legislature, at New Haven, by 
Hon. David Daggett."* 

The following is from a monument in a kind of family burying ground, 

in the vicinity of Black Hall. 

This monument is erected to the memory of his Excellency Roger Griswold, LL. D. 
late Governor of this State. He was born at Lyme, May 25th, 17(52, and died at 

* New England Review. 



LYME. 333 

Norwich, Oct. 12th, 1819. He was the son of his Excellency Matthew Griswold, 
who had been Chief Justice of the Superior Court, Lieut. Governor and Governor. 
His mother was daughter of Roger Wolcott, Esq. of Windsor, who was for many 
years Governor of this State. Gov. Griswold graduated at Yale College in 1780, and 
in 1783 entered upon the profession of law. At the age of 34, he was elected into the 
Council of the United States. In 1807 he was appointed a Judge of the Superior 
Court. In 1809 lie was appointed Lieutenant Governor, and in 1811 was elected Gov- 
ernor. Upon all these eminent stations he conferred dignity and honor, not less 
conspicuous by honorable parentage and elevated rank in society, than by personal 
merit, talents and virtues. He was respected in the University, as an elegant and 
classical scholar. 0,'uick discernment, sound reasoning, legal science, manly elo- 
quence, raised him to the first eminence at the bar. Distinguished in the national 
councils among the illustrious statesmen of the age — revered for his inflexible integ- 
rity and pre-eminent talents, his political course was highly honorable. His friends 
viewed him with virtuous pride, his native state with honest triumph. His fame and 
honors were the just rewards of noble actions, and of a life devoted to his country. 
He was endeared to his family by fidelity and affection, to his neighbors by frankness 
and benevolence. His memory is embalmed in the hearts of surviving relatives and 
of a grateful people. When this monument shall have decayed, his name will be en- 
rolled with honor among the great, the wise, and the good. 

The following are from monuments in the grave yard east from the 
church in South Lyme. 

Sacred to the memory of Mr. John McCurdy, the younger, who died 21st Decemr. 
!790 ; in the 24th year of his age. 

Fond man, the vision of a moment made, 
Dream of a dream and shadow of a shade, 
This truth how certain, when this life is o'er, 
Man dies to live, and lives to die no more. 

The following singular inscription is on Deacon Marvin's monument. 

This Deacon aged 
May for a crown n 

On the foot stone, 

R. M. Oct. 18, 1737. 

Deacon Marvin appears to have been remarkable for his eccentricity 
^n almost all his transactions in life. His courtship, it is said, was as 
follows : — Having one day mounted his horse, with only a sheep-skin for 
a saddle, he rode in front of the house where Sarah or Betty Lee lived, 
and without dismounting, requested Betty to come to him ; on her com- 
ing, he told her that the Lord had sent him there to marry her. With- 
out much hesitation, she replied, the Lord's will be done. During his 
whole life, he professed to be governed much by divine communications 
that were made to him. Once he said, that the Lord had directed him 
to distribute his cows among his poor neighbors. After the distribution 
had been going on for some time, a certain man, fearing that none might 
fall to himself, went to the deacon, and told him that he had received 
a communication from the Lord, saying that the Lord had directed him 
to the deacon for a cow. Well, says the deacon, you shall receive it. 
What cow did the Lord say should be given you, a new milch or far- 
row ? A new milch cow, was the reply. Well, says the deacon, your 
communication could not be from the Lord, for 1 have already given 
away all my new milch cows. He was, it is said, the greatest land pro- 
prietor of any man in the vicinity, and of regular standing in the church, 
ieing remarkably exemplary. He was also a military captain, as stated 
in his epitaph. 



This Deacon aged 68: Is freed on earth from serving 

May for a crown no longer wait: Lyme's Captain Renold Marvin. 



334 MONTVILLE. 

Lyme, March 17, 1771. 
Yesterday, one William Lamson, of Martha's Vineyard, came to this town with a 
bag of tea, (about 100 \vt.) on horseback, which he was peddling about the country. 
It appeared that he was about business which he supposed would render him obnox- 
ious to the people, which gave reason to suspect that he had some of the detestable tea 
lately landed at Cape Cod; and upon examination it appeared to the satisfaction of 
all present, to be part of that very tea, (though he declared that he purchased it of two 
gentlemen in Newport: one of them 'tis said is a custom house officer, and the other 
Captain of the fort.) Whereupon a number of the sons of liberty assembled in the 
evening, kindled a fire, and committed its contents to the flames, where it was all con- 
sumed and the a-dies buried on the spot, in testimony of their utter abhorrence of all 
tea subject to a duty for the purpose of raising a revenue in America — a laudable ex- 
ample lor our brethren in Connecticut. — Conn. Jour. March 25, 1774. 



Lyme, Dec. 6, 1781. 
Last Friday, a guard under the command of Ensign Andrew Griswold, stationed at 
Lyme, discovered a whale boat in a fresh pond near Black Point ; and suspecting it 
came from Long Island, they set a guard of five men over the boat; and the night after 
four others of the guard with Ensign Griswold, went towards the house of the noted 
Elisha Beck with ; one of the party named Noah Lester, advanced faster than the rest, 
and was challenged by Beckwith's wife, who was near the house; this alarmed ten 
men who were in the house, well armed, and they immediately seized upon and made 
prisoner of Lester, and carried him into the house. Soon alter the other four of the 
guard came to the house, (not knowing Lester was a prisoner,) and went directly in ; 
where they discovered the ten persons in arms : a scuffle immediately ensued between 
them ; and after some time the guard secured six of the party, among whom was Eli- 
sha Beckwith: the other four made their escape into the woods, but they all except 
one were taken the next day. They came in the above boat from Long Island, and 
were under the command of Thomas Smith, formerly of Middletown, who had a 
Captain's commission under the British king. Elisha Beckwith went off with the 
enemy the Gth Sept. last, when they made their descent on this place. The above cul- 
prits are secured in Norwich gaol. 



MONTVILLE. 

Montville originally belonged to New London. It was incor- 
porated as a distinct town in 1786. It is bounded north by Bozrah 
and Norwich, west by Salem and Lyme, east by the river Thames, 
and south by Waterford. Its length from east to west is about eight 
miles, and its breadth averages about five miles. This township is em- 
braced within the granitic district, bordering on the sea coast, and is 
uneven, being hilly and stony. The soil is a coarse, dry, gravelly loam, 
considerably strong and fertile, affording good grazing. 

The road from New London to Norwich passes through this town ; 
it is a turnpike, and is said to be the first which was ever made in the 
United States. " The former road was perfectly fitted to force upon 
the public mind the utility of turnpike roads. As New London is the 
port of entry for Norwich, the merchants of Norwich must often visit 
it upon business ; and the convenience of dispatch in cases of business 
I need not explain. Yet few persons formerly attempted to go from 
one of these places to the other, and return the same day. Pleasure 
carriages on this road were scarcely used at all. The new road is 
smooth and good ; and the journey is now easily performed in little more 
than two hours. These towns, therefore, may be regarded as having 
been brought nearer to each other more than half a day's journey." 



MONTVILLE. 335 

There are 2 post offices in this town, the Montville and Uncasville 
post offices. Uncasville post office is in the southern section of the 
town. The central part of the town is about 8 miles from New Lon- 
don. Chesterfield is a parish in the southeastern section of the town. 
There are 3 cotton, 2 woolen factories, and an oil mill, in the limits of 
the town. There are five houses for public worship within the limits 
of the township, 2 for Congregationalists, 2 for Baptists, and one in the 
Mohegan reservation ; a tract of land reserved by the state for the 
maintenance of this tribe of Indians, a remnant of which still remain 
in this town, " on the land of their fathers." 

It appears from the most authentic information which can now be 
obtained, that, at the time of the first settlement of Connecticut, Uncas, 
the Mohegan sagamore, had under him between four and five hundred 
warriors. Allowing the proportion of the warriors to the whole number 
of inhabitants to have been as three to ten, the Mohegan tribe must 
have consisted of nearly 1700 people. 

The Pequot and Mohegan country lay to the south and east of the 
Nehantic, (in Lyme,) from Connecticut river to the Rhode Island line 
on the east, and extended northward to near the northern boundary of 
the state. This tract was nearly thirty miles square, and included the 
counties of New London, Windham, and the principal part of the 
county of Tolland. Historians, (says Dr. Holmes,) have treated the 
Pequots and Mohegans as two different tribes ; and have described the 
Pequot country as lying principally within the three towns of New Lon- 
don, Groton, and Stonington. All the tract north and east, as has been 
described, they have represented as the Mohegan country. Most if not 
all the towns in this tract hold their lands by virtue of deeds from Uncas, 
or his successors, the Mohegan sachems. Dr. Trumbull, however, thinks 
it doubtful whether the Mohegans were a distinct nation from the Pe- 
quots. " They appear to have been a part of the same nation, named 
from the place of their situation. Uncas was a Pequot by birth, and 
of the royal line, both by his father and mother ; and his wife was a 
daughter of Tatobam, one of the Pequot sachems. He appears to 
have been a captain, or petty sachem, under Sassacus, the great prince 
of the nation. When the English first came into Connecticut, he was 
in a state of rebellion against him, in consequence of some misunder- 
standing between them ; and his power and influence among the Indi- 
ans were inconsiderable. Having revolted from his tribe, he was ex- 
pelled his country. 

"In 1637, when the English conquered the Pequots, Uncas readily joined them to 
save himself, and be avenged on his warlike adversary. After this period, Uncas 
was the most powerful sachem in the state. Part of the miserable remnant of the Pe- 
quots fell to the lot of the Mohegans, and became subject to the government of Uncas. 
He seems, however, to have swayed the scepter with a heavy hand ; for the Pequots 
withdrew themselves from his dominion, and the commissioners found it necessary to 
fine him, and repeatedly to admonish him for his tyranny. He was however a brave 
warrior, and formidable to his enemies ; on the murder of one of his principal Indians, 
by some of the men of Sequassen, a sachem on Connecticut river, he demanded satis- 
faction of him. It was refused. Uncas and Sequassen fought. Sequassen was over- 
come. Uncas killed a number of his men, and burned his wigwams. Sequassen 
appears to have been a sachem under the influence of Miantonimoh, the chief sachem 
of the Narragansetts. After the destruction of the Pequots, Miantonimoh attempted 



336 MONTVILLE. 

to set up as a kind of universal sachem over all the Indians in New England. The 
old grudge and hatred which had subsisted between him and the Pequots, he now 
transferred to Uncas and the Mohegans. Without any regard to the league made be- 
tween him, the English, and the Mohegans, at Hartford, in 1638, when the Pequots 
were divided between him and Uncas, he practiced murder and war against him. 
After the defeat of Sequassen, Miantonimoh, with 000 or 1000 men, marched against 
Uncas. These hostile chiefs met on Sachem's Plain, in the east part of the town of 
Norwich; Miantonimoh was defeated, taken prisoner, and some time after was pu! 
to death. Uncas appears to have pushed his conquests, in different directions, beyond 
Connecticut river. About 1654, he had a quarrel with Arrhamainet, sachem of Mus- 
sauco, or Massacoe, (Simsbury,) which brought on a war. Uncas sent one of his 
warriors to take and burn an out wigwam in the night, kill and burn, and leave the 
marks of the Mohawks. His orders were executed. Arrhamamet, supposing the 
Mohawks had done the mischief, went in search of them to the northwest. Uncas 
gained time to equip his men, and afterwards subjugated Arrhamamet. Podunk, 
near Hartford, was ever afterwards tributary to Uncas."* 

On the conquest of the Pequots, the Mohegans claimed most of the Pequot country 
as their hereditary right ; they also laid claim to the Wabbequasset territory by virtue 
of conquest. This last named territory was conquered from the Nipmuek Indians, 
whose principal seat was about the great ponds in Oxford, in Massachusetts, but their 
territory extended southward into Connecticut, more than twenty miles. This was 
called the Wabbequasset and Whets/one country. The original Mohegan country 
was surveyed in 1705, and a map of it drawn. The occasion of this survey was a 
claim, brought forward in 1701, by Owaneco, the son of Uncas, to certain lands in 
Connecticut. The Masons and others preferred a petition and complaint to Queen 
Anne, in favor of the Mohegan Indians. The Masons claimed the lands purchased 
by their ancestor, deputy governor John Mason, in virtue of a deed given to him by 
Uncas in 165'J, while he acted as agent of the colony; and denied the legality of his 
surrender of them to the colony, in the General Assembly, the next year. They 
insisted that it respected nothing more than the jurisdiction right, and that the title to 
the soil was vested in their family as guardians and overseers of the Indians. This 
celebrated " Mohegan case" was kept in agitation for nearly twenty years. It was al- 
ways, on a legal hearing, determined in favor of the colony. The final decision was 
by king George III. in council, just before the Revolutionary war. 

Uncas appeared at the first very unfriendly to the Christian religion. 
The commissioners of the colonies endeavored to reclaim him. In 
1672, they wrote a letter to him " to incurrage him to attend on the 
ministry." Whatever effect this letter may have had on his outward 
deportment it seems not to have reached his heart. In 1674, the Rev. 
Mr. Fitch, of Norwich, mentioned him as manifesting some respect to 
the Christian ministry, but with an entire distrust of his sincerity. 
About two years afterwards, however, a providential event made such 
an impression on the mind of this pagan chieftain, as gave this pious 
minister some hopes of his real conversion to Christianity. " In the 
summer of 1676, there was a great drought in New England, which 
was extremely severe at Mohegan, and in the neighboring country. In 
August the corn dried up ; the fruit and leaves fell oif as in autumn ; 
and some trees appeared to be dead. The Indians came from Mohe- 
gan to Norwich, and lamented that they had no rain, and that their 
powwows could get none in their way of worship ; they desired Mr. 
Fitch that he would seek God for rain. He appointed a fast day for 
that purpose. The day proved clear, but at sunset, at the close of the 
service, some clouds arose. The next day was cloudy. Uncas went to 
the house of Mr. Fitch, with many Indians, and lamented the great want 
of rain. If God shall send you rain, said Mr. Fitch, will you not at- 
tribute it to your powwows ? He answered, no ; for we have done our 

* President Stiles' Itinerary. 



MONTVILLE. 337 

utmost but all in vain. If you will declare it before all these Indians, 
replied the minister, you shall see what God will do for us ; remarking 
at the same time, their repeated and unfailing reception of rain, in an- 
swer to fasting and prayer. Uncas then ' made a great speech' to the 
Indians, confessing that if God should then send rain, it could not be 
ascribed to their powwowing, but must be acknowledged to be an answer 
to the Englishman's prayer. On that very day the clouds became 
more extended ; and the day following, there was such a copious rain, 
that their river rose more than two feet in height."* Whether Uncas 
died in the faith of Christianity, cannot now be ascertained. It is 
agreeable however to find him acknowledging the God who is above, 
and paying homage to the religion of his Son. " The same year (1676) 
Oneco, a son of Uncas, commanded a party of Mohegans, in an expe- 
dition with Captains Dennison and Avery, against the Narragansetts." 

Ben or Benjamin Uncas appears to have been the last of the Mohe- 
gans dignified with the title of king. He died suddenly, in May, 1769. 
He was buried about half a mile south of the present Mohegan chapel. 
His son, Isaiah Uncas, was a pupil in Dr. Wheelock's school, at Leba- 
non. He is represented as a corpulent person, of dull intellectual parts, 
as was his father before him. " Isaiah died about one year after his 
father, and the royal line became extinct. The body of king Ben was 
dug up, and was carried with that of his son, and buried at Norwich. "f 

Although there seems to have been considerable pains taken to induce 
the Mohegans to embrace the gospel, yet these efforts appear to have 
been attended with but little or no success till about the year 1644, 
when the zealous Mr. Davenport at that time directed his efforts to- 
wards their conversion. He is said to have been very successful. To 
the converts gained at this time, Dr. Trumbull probably refers, when 
he says, " some (e\v of the Mohegans have professed Christianity, and 
have been, many years since, admitted to full communion in the north 
church in New London. 

About the year 17S6, a few Indians went from Mohegan, with Mr. 
Sampson Occum, the celebrated minister, to the country of the Oneidas. 
A considerable number of their brethren emigrated to that country, at 
the same time, from Farmington, Stonington, Groton, and Nehantic, 
in the eastern part of Lyme ; and from Charlestown, in Rhode Island. 
The inducement to this removal, was a tract of excellent wild land 
given to them by' the Oneidas. These emigrants, being most of the 
scanty remnant of the Muhhekaneok Indians, formerly called " the 
seven tribes on the sea coast," constitute what are called " the Bro- 
therton Indians," whose entire number, in 1791, was 250, and in 1796, 
150 only. On their first emigration, they were under the pastoral care 
of the Rev. Mr. Occum. J 

The Mohegan reservation consists of about 2700 acres. It was 
holden by them in common till the year 1790, when it was divided to 



* Hubbard's Indian Wars. 

t The above information was obtained at Mohegan, in 1834, of Lydia Fowler, an 
Indian woman, 79 years of age, the oldest person belonging to the tribe. 
t Holmes' Memoir of the Mohegans. 

43 



338 MONTVILLE. 

each family by the legislature of Connecticut. The Mohegans are 
under the care of guardians, or overseers, appointed by the Legislature. 
A part of the lands are occupied by the Indians themselves, and a part 
by white tenants, of which there are as many as Mohegans living on 
the reservation. The rents go into a common fund, from which the 
Mohegans derive individually a small sum annually. 

In 1774, when a census of the inhabitants of Connecticut was taken, 
there were in the colony 1,363 Indians. The number in the township 
of New London was stated to be 206. Mohegan was then included 
in the limits of that town. At the same time there were in Stonington 
237; in Groton 186; in Lyme 104; in Norwich 61 ; and in Preston 
30: in all, 824. Most of these may be considered as descended from 
those who once owed some kind of allegiance to Uncas. Dr. Holmes, 
who visited Mohegan in 1 803, says that " there were not more than 
80 persons of this tribe remaining, and that John Cooper, the richest 
man in the tribe, possessing a yoke of oxen and two cows, was then 
their religious teacher." Four years after they were reduced in number 
to sixty nine, these being for the most part aged persons, widows, and 
fatherless children. 

Within the course of a few years past, an effort has been made to 
elevate and rescue the remnant of this tribe from extinction. A small 
house for divine worship has been erected, and also a house for a teach- 
er ; towards erecting this last building the United States government 
appropriated 500 dollars ; they have also allowed, recently, 400 dollars 
annually for the support, of a teacher. The school, consisting of up- 
wards of 20 scholars, at this time is under the care of Mr. Anson Glea- 
son, who also officiates as a religious teacher at the Mohegan Chapel. 
Mr. Gleason commenced his labors among this people in 1832, and it 
is firmly believed that his efforts to promote the welfare of this people 
will be attended with lasting and beneficial effects. Mr. Gleason says, 
" that he can say for a certainty, that the native children are as apt to 
learn as any children he ever taught, and bid fair for intelligent men 
and women." He also says, "This tribe had well nigh run out by in- 
dulging in the use of ardent spirits ; but of late there is a change for the 
better, a number of reformations having taken place. Most of the youth 
are opposed to strong drink, and are members of the temperance reform. 
The greater part of the working men follow the whale trade, and come 

home only now and then We are on the increase, and hope in the 

course of a few years, through the mercy of God, to rise in point of vir- 
tue and respectability." 

The Mohegan church is between three and four miles from Norwich 
city, a few rods east of the public road from Norwich to New London. 
It is beautifully situated on an eminence commanding a fair view of 
Norwich at the north, and New London at the south. It was built in 
1831, at an expense of between six and seven hundred dollars, con- 
tributed for the purpose mostly by benevolent ladies in the cities of 
Norwich, Hartford and New London. This house is designed for the 
use of the Mohegans, and the white inhabitants who reside on the re- 
servation. The Mohegan school house is 40 or 50 rods south of the 
chapel, at the foot of the hill, near by which is the house for the teacher. 



MONTVILLE. 



339 



About 100 rods west of the chapel, on the summit of a commanding 
eminence, was situated a Mohegan fort, some traces of which remain ; 
they also had another fort near the river. 




South view of the Mohegan Chapel, Montviile. 

The accompanying lines, in reference to this church, are from the 
pen of Mrs. Sigourney. 



Behold, yon hills in distance fade, 
Where erst the red-brow'd hunter stray'd, 
And mark those streamlets sheen and blue, 
Where gliding sped the slight canoe, 
While through the forests, swift as light, 
The wild deer shunn'd the arrow's llight. 

Ask ye for hamlet's peopled hound, 
With cane-roof 'd cabins circled round? 
For chieftain proud 1 — for hoary sire ? — 
Or warrior, terrible in ire 1 — 
Ye've seen the shadow quit the vale — 
The foam upon the waters fail — 
The fleeting vapor leave no trace : 
Such was their path — that faded race. 

Hark ! hark ! from yonder darksome field 

Methought their thundering war-shout pealed — 

Methought I saw in flickering spire 

The lightning of their council-tire : 

Ah, no! the dust hath check'd their song, 

And dimm'd their glorious ray — 
But hath it staunch'd their bleeding wrong"? 
Or quell'd remembrance, fierce and strong I 

Recording angel — say ! 



Lo! where a savage fortress frown'd 
Amid yon blood-cemented ground, 
A hallowed dome, with peaceful claim, 
Shall bear the meek Redeemer's name ; 
And forms like those that lingering stayed 
Latest 'neath Calvary's awful shade, 
And earliest piere'd the gather'd gloom 
To watch the Savior's lowly tomb — 
Such gentle forms the Indian's ire 
Have sooth'd, and bade that dome aspire. 
And now, where rose the murderous yell, 
The tuneful hymn to God shall swell — 
Where Vengeance spread a fatal snare, 
Shall breathe the red man's contrite prayer. 

Crush'd race ! — so long condemned to moan — 
Scorn'd — rifled — spiritless and lone, — 
From heathen rites — from sorrow's maze, 
Turn lo these temple-gates with praise ! 
Yes, come and bless th' usurping hand 
That rent away your fathers' land — 
Forgive the wrong — suppress the blame — 
And view your hope— your heaven — the same! 

L. H. S. 
Hartford, Nov. 1830. 



The engraving on the next page is a s. w. view of the house formerly 
owned and occupied by the Rev. Sampson Occum. It is situated about 
half a mile north of the chapel. The addition seen at the west end, 
(a,) is said to have been used by him as a study. 

"Mr. Sampson Occum was the first Indian pupil educated by the 
Rev. Mr. Wheelock, and the first Indian preacher of the Gospel ever 
in Great Britain. Soon after he emerged from pagan darkness he went 
to live at Lebanon, with Mr. Wheelock, afterwards president of Dart- 
mouth College ; in whose family and under whose instruction he con- 
tinued for several years. He afterwards kept a school on Long Island, 
during some years, and at the same time officiated as public teacher of 
the Indian tribe at Montauk on that island, till he received ordination 
by the hands of the Suffolk presbytery. He was afterwards employed 



340 



NORTH STONINGTON. 




Sampson Occum's house in Mohegan, Montville. 

on several missions, to various tribes of Indians, and his services were 
well received and approved. At his first entrance on the ministry, and 
for a considerable time after, he was esteemed and respected in his 
Christian and ministerial character. He was judged to be ' well ac- 
complished, and peculiarly turned to teach and edify his savage breth- 
ren.' Nor was he neglected by the inhabitants of the capital towns. 
1 Though for many years he was without polite conversation, and desti- 
tute of a library, yet he preached to good acceptance in New York, 
Boston, and other populous places.' He was said to be an excellent 
preacher in his own language, and his influence among the Indians was 
for a long time great. In 1765 or 1766, he accompanied Rev. Mr. 
Whitaker to London, for the purpose of soliciting benefactions for the 
support of Mr. Wheelock's school, instituted at Lebanon for the edu- 
cation of Indian youth, to be missionaries and schoolmasters for the na- 
tions of North America. For the last years of his life, Mr. Occum re- 
sided with the Indians at New Stnckbiiclgc, state of New York, and 
died July, 1792. The Rev. Mr. Kirkland, missionary to the Oneidas, 
preached his funeral sermon."* 

The Rev. James Hillhouse, the first minister in this town, was installed 
in October, 1722. The following is the inscription on his monument. 

Here lyeth the body of the Rev. Mr. James Hillhouse, first pastor of the second 
church of Christ in New London. He was born in Ireland, descended from honora- 
ble progenitors, a great proficient in human and divine learning, of a (rue magnanim- 
ity, bearing all (he troubles of life with a patient resignation to the will of God; still 
discovering a Christian forgiving disposition. The delight he had in his Master's 
work increased his grief under his suspension, declaring his dependence on the vera- 
ciry of Christ's promises, that he had experienced, and so, commending his soul to 
God, he fell asleep, 15 December, 1740, set. 53. 



NORTH STONINGTON. 

This town was originally a part of Stonington, but was made a dis- 
tinct town in 1808. Its average length from east to west is eight miles, 
and its breadth about six. It is bounded n. by Preston, Griswold and 

* Holmes' Memoirs of (he Mohegans. 



NORTH S T O N I N G T O N . 341 

Voluntown, w. by Ledyard and Preston, e. by Rhode Island, and s. 
by Stonington. The township is rough, hilly, and abounds with gra- 
nitic rocks. The soil is a gravelly loam, and aflbrds good grazing. It 
is watered by the Pawcatuck and its branches, which afford sites for 
mills and other water works. Agriculture is the principal business of 
the inhabitants. The only village in the town is called Milltown. It 
consists of between 20 and 30 dwelling houses, five mercantile stores, 
and two houses of worship ; 1 for Congregationalists, the other for Bap- 
tists. There are also two other Baptist churches in the limits of the 
town. Milltown is 13 miles from New London, 124 from Norwich, 7 
from Stonington borough, and 5 from Pawcatuck bridge. 

The Rev. Joseph Fish appears to have been the first minister in this 
town; he was ordained in 1732, it being about this time that the town 
of Stonington was divided into two societies. About the year 1740 
was a period of great religious excitement, and Separate churches were 
established in the eastern part of Connecticut. In 1742, there was a 
separation in Stonington, especially from the church under the pastoral 
care of Mr. Fish. 

" Perceiving the errors of his people, a i that many of them, not excepting 

some of the members of his church, were very ignorant, he took great pains to instruct 
them, in private as well as public, am! toconvince them of their errors. But they 
appeared haughty and self-sufficient, and in their own opinion were much wiser than 
their teacher, whom they treated with great abuse. They took great offense at a ser- 
mon he preached from Ephes. v. 1, 'Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear chil- 
dren.' The principal design of the sermon was to show what it was to follow God, or 
in what true religion consisted, which was the same thing. It was observed, that fol- 
lowing God, as dear children, implied men's giving themselves wholly to him, to be 
governed by his commands; that it implied an imitation of him in his moral perfec- 
tions, &c. It was insisted, that true religion consisted in thus following God; and 
that in this we had an infallible rule of trial, whether we were God's children or not. 
It was inferred, that true religion did not consist in ecstasies, in crying out in the lime 
of public worship, in powerful impressions, in lively imaginations, or visions of a 
bleeding Savior, &c; that though the saints might have these things, yet that they 
were no evidences of a gracious state. On this, the house was filled with outcries 
against the preacher. He was declared to be an opposer to the work of God, making 
the hearts of his children sad, and strengthening the hands of the wicked. From this 
time, divisions and prejudices sprang up, increased and became settled. Disregard- 
ing their covenant vows, which they had so lately entered into with their pastor and 
brethren ; without taking any pains to reform the church, with respect to those things 
they conceived to be amiss, or without regarding the pains and remonstrances of their 
pastor and brethren to dissuade them; a large number finally separated themselves 
from this and all the standing churches. 

" They alledged as reasons for their separation, that the standing churches were not 
true churches, but of anli-christ : That hypocrisy was encouraged by them, and they 
could have no communion with hypocrites. They maintained that the church should 
be pure, undefiled with hypocrisy, and that no hypocrite should abide with them. Upon 
this principle the separate churches set out. They publicly professed themselves to 
be elected of Gpd, given to Christ, and effectually called, and as such, they covenanted 
together. They maintained that the whole power of ordination was in the church. 
They objected against their pastor for using notes, and at the same time praying for 
assistance in preaching. They maintained that God had redeemed their souls, and 
that they were not bound to rites and forms, but had liberty to worship where they 
thought fit. They objected, that there was not that liberty in the standing churches, 
and that food for their souls which they found in the meeting of the brethren. Be- 
cause ministers studied their sermons, they called their exercises, preaching out of the 
head, and declared that they could not be edified by it. They maintained, that there 
was no need of any thing more than common learning, to qualify men for the minis- 
try; that if a man had the spirit of God, it was no matter whether he had any learn- 
ing at all. Indeed, the first separates at Stonington, held to a special revelation of 
some facts, or future events, not revealed in the scriptures. They elected their first 
minister by revelation. In less than one year, they chose, ordained, silenced, cast him 
out of the church and delivered him up to Satan.— TruvibuWs Hist. Con. Vol. 2, p. 171. 



342 



PRESTON, 



PRESTON. 

This town was settled in 17SG. The first clergyman in the town 7 
it appears, was the Rev. Salmon Treat, who was ordained Nov. 16th, 
1698. The township is irregular in its form, bounded w. and n. by 
the Thames and Quinnebaug rivers, e. by Griswold and North Ston- 
ington, and s. by Ledyard. Its average length is about 7 miles, and 
4 J in breadth. The face of the town is uneven, consisting of hills and 
valleys : it is stony and rocky, and the soil is a gravelly loam, consider- 
ably fertile and productive. It is better adapted to grazing than tillage r 
though considerable quantities of Indian corn are raised. There are 
three houses of worship, 2 Congregational and 1 Baptist. Population 
in 1810, was 1,764; in 1830, it was 1,935. 




Western view of Poquetannuck, Preston. 

The above is a western view of Poquetannuck, an ancient village 
near the line between Ledyard and Preston ; most of the village is in 
Preston. The village consists of about 30 or 40 dwelling houses and 
4 mercantile stores. A large cotton factory was burnt here in 1835. 
The building seen on the extreme right is the Episcopal church, and is 
within the limits of the town of Ledyard. The village is situated about 
two miles from the Thames, at the head of a cove, and nearly 4 miles 
from Norwich city. Sloops can, at high water, get within half a mile 
of the village ; considerable quantities oi ship timber and plank are ex- 
ported from this place, and many of the inhabitants are engaged in the 
seafaring business. Preston City is a village in the eastern part of the 
town, about the size of Poquetannuck, in which there is a Baptist and 
a Congregational church. This village is six miles east from Norwich 
city, and five northeast from Poquetannuck. There is a lake south of 
the village, called Amos lake, which is a place of some resort for par- 
ties of pleasure. 



STONING TON. 345 

Mystic. There is also a settlement of about fifteen or twenty houses 
on the Connecticut side of the Pawcatuck river, at Pawcatuck bridge. 
There are three houses of worship, two Congregational, and one Bap- 
tist. There are one or two cotton factories, and one woolen factory, 
in the town. The marine situation and interests of Stonington have 
rendered it a conspicuous nursery for seamen, who are distinguished for 
their enterprise, perseverance, and courage. There are two banks ; 
the Stonington, and the Mystic. 

Stonington borough was incorporated in 1801. It is situated on a 
narrow, rocky point of land, of about half a mile in length, at the east- 
ern extremity of Long Island sound. The borough consists of about 
150 dwelling houses and stores, and upwards of 1,000 inhabitants, 2 
churches, 1 Congregational, and 1 Baptist; 2 Academies, where the 
higher branches of education are taught, and 1 Bank. Sealing and 
whaling is the principal business. In some years 100,000 seal skins 
have been brought into this place. The breakwater at this place was 
erected by the United States, at an expense of about 50,000 dollars. 
In the severest seasons, ships can get up to the breakwater, without 
being obstructed by ice. Since the location of the New \ork, Provi- 
dence and Boston rail road through this place, real estate has more 
than doubled in value. Stonington borough is 12 miles east from New 
London, and 45 from Providence. 

This town has become celebrated for the spirited and successful re- 
sistance which it made to the attack and bombardment of Sir Thomas 
Hardy, during the late war. The following account is taken from 
" Perkins' History of the Late War." 

" On the Oth of August, (1814,) a detachment from the squadron off New London, 
consisting of the flagship Ram dies 74, Pactolus 38, a bomb ship, and the Despatch brig 
of 32 guns, appeared off Stonington point. At five o'clock a note was addressed to the 
magistrates of the village by the commodore, informing them that one hour from the 
receipt of the note was allowed them for the removal of the unoffending inhabitants and 
effects. The officer who brought the note was inquired of whether a flag would be 
received from the magistrates; his reply was, that no arrangement could -be made. 
( In being asked whether Commodore Hardy had determined to destroy the town, he 
replied that such were his orders from Admiral Cochrane; and that it would be done 
most effectually. On receiving the communication, the village was thrown into the 
utmost consternation. The most valuable articles were hastily removed or concealed. 
The sick and aged were removed, the women, children, and inhabitants incapable of 
bearing arms, fled to the neighboring farm houses. A few militia, stationed at the 
point, under the command of Lieutenant Hough, were placed in the best positions to 
give notice of any attempt to land. A number of volunteers hastened to the battery 
on the point, which consisted of two eighteens, and one four pounder mounted on 
field carriages, protected by a slight breastwork. An express was immediately dis- 
patched to General Cushing at New London, the United States commanding general 
of the district, with a request for immediate assistance. The general considered this 
as a feint, intended to mask a real attack on fort Griswold, which commanded the har- 
bor of New London ; that the object of the enemy was to draw the regular troops 
and militia from that post, and in the mean time land a considerable force at the head 
of Mystic, four miles in the rear of the fort, and take.it by storm. Having accom- 
plished this object, they could destroy or lay under contribution the town of New Lon- 
don, and proceed up the river and capture the frigates.* This opinion of the gene- 
ral s was confirmed in consequence of the squadron having lately been reinforced ; 
and a number of ships taking stations near Mystic. Having these views of the de- 
signs of the enemy, General Cushing made correspondent arrangements with Major 

* General Cushing's letter to the secretary of war. 

44 



346 STONINGTON. 

General Williams, commander of the division of militia in that district; and orders 
were immediately given for the assembling of one regiment at the point of attack at 
Stonington ; one at the head oi' Mystic river, to prevent a landing for the purpose of 
attacking fort Griswold; one company of artillery and one regiment of infantry at 
Norwich port, a few miles in the rear of the frigates ; and one company of artillery 
and regiment of infantry for the protection of fort Trumbull and the city of New 
London. These dispositions were promptly and zealously carried into effect. 

" The village of Stonington point consists of about one hundred dwelling houses, 
and a number of stores, compactly built on a narrow peninsula, extending half a mile, 
and forming a convenient harbor. The attack commenced on this village at 8 o'clock 
in the evening by a discharge of shells from the bomb ship, and rockets and carcasses 
from several barges and launches, which had taken their stations at different points. 
The first continued without intermission until midnight, and was occasionally an- 
swered from the battery, as the light of the rockets presented a view of the object. 
Dining this period, the non-combatant inhabitants of the village, having taken shel- 
ter in the neighboring houses and barns, were waiting the event in trembling anxiety ; 
expecting every moment to witness The conflagration of their dwellings. At twelve 
o'clock the firing ceased ; no building was consumed, or person injured. In thecourse 
of the night the militia and volunteers assembled in considerable numbers. At day- 
light on the 10th, the approach of the British was announced by a discharge of rock- 
eis from several barges and a launch, which had taken their stations on the east side 
of the village, and out of the reach of the battery. A number of volunteers with 
musketry and one four pounder hastened across the point to meet the enemy, supposing 
they would attempt a landing from the barges. Colonel Randall of the 13th regiment, 
who was at this time approaching the battery with a detachment of militia, ordered 
his men to assist the volunteers in drawing over one of the eighteen pounders to the 
extreme end of the point, the lire from which soon compelled the barges to seek their 
safety by flight, : during this time the brig was working up towards the point, and at 
sunrise dropped anchor within half a mile of the battery. This was now manned by 
only about twenty men ; and their ammunition being expended, they spiked the guns 
ami retired. The brig now continued deliberately to pour into the village her thirty 
two pound and grape shot, and the bomb ship to throw her shells for an hour without 
a shot being returned. 

" At eight o'clock, a supply of ammunition having arrived, the eighteen pounder 
was drilled, and such an animated and well directed fire opened on the brig, that at 
three o'clock, having received several shot below her water mark, and much damage 
in her spars and rigging, she slipped her cables and hauled off out of the reach of the 
battery. In this contest two Americans only were slightly wounded. The Hag, which 
was nailed to the staff on the battery, was pierced with seven shot; the breast-work 
was considerably damaged, and six or eight dwelling houses much injured. Consid- 
erable bodies of militia arrived in the course of the day; and Brigadier General 
[sham took the command. The inhabitants had recovered from the consternation of 
the first moments ; things assumed a more regular and orderly aspect. Every one 
capable of bearing arms was at the post of danger, and the others employed in re- 
moving their effects. 

" The Ramilies and Pactolus now hauled up and took stations within two miles of 
the village ; and threatened it with instant destruction. The magistrates sent a depu- 
tation on board the Ramilies with a note addressed to Commodore Hardy, informing 
him, that the town was now cleared of unoffending inhabitants, in consequence of his 
note of yesterday, and wishing to know his determination respecting the fate of the 
village. The deputation, consisting of Colonel Williams and Mr. Lord, were detained 
on board an hour, their own boat sent back; and at the expiration of the time, they 
were conveyed in a flag from the ship, with a note to the magistrates, stating that the 
deputation having ^ r ive assurance that no torpedoes had been tilted out from that 
port, and having engaged that none should be in future, or receive any aid from the 
town; that furthei hostilities should cease, and the village be spared, in case they 
sent on bond Ins ship, by eight o'clock in the morning of the 11th, Mis. Stewart, a 
lady then resident ;:t New London, wile of the late British consul at that place, and 
hei family. Bui in case of failure, he should proceed to destroy the pillage effectually ; 
for which he stated thai he possessed ample means. The magistrates and citizens of 
the borough were inasingular state of embarrassment on receiving this demand; 
being required to procure and send on board the commodore's ship, a lady over whom 
ihr\ had no control. Mrs. Stewart was under the protection of the government of 
the United Stales; had ever been treated with respect at New London, where she had 
loir.: resided ; her personal safety was never in the least at hazard ; and her husband's 
application to have his family sent on board the squadron had been received by the 
commanding general and transmitted to the executive, and no doubt would be granted ; 
but the borough of Stoninyton had no concern or authority on the subject, and pos- 



WATKRFORD, 



M7 



sessed no powers to comply with the required condition. At eight o'olock in the 
morning of the 11th, the magistrates, under the direction ofthe commanding genera 
sent a flag on poard the Ratmlies with the foregoing representation. The commodore 
replied, that he should wait until twelve o'clock, and if the lady was not then sent on 
board, hostilities would re-commence. At this period, three regiments ol militia had 
arrived, and the town was well secured against a landing. At three o'clock, the bomb 
ship, having taken a station out of the reach of the guns of the battery, commenced 
throwing shells into the village and continued until evening. At sunrise on the 12th, 
the bomb ship renewed her operations, while the Ramilies and Pactolus were warp- 
ing in; at eight o'clock these ships opened their fire. This heavy bombardment con- 
tinued until noon, when the ships ceased firing. At four in the afternoon they hauled 
off to their former anchorage, and the contest ended. The vice consul was obliged 
to resort to other and more appropriate measures to obtain his wife and family, than 
that of desolating an unoffending village. The ships taking a station out of the 
reach of cannon shot from the battery, the citizens were obliged to witness the scene 
without the power of resistance. The troops withdrew from the point, excepting a 
guard of fifty men, who were kept to patrole the streets and extinguish fires. The 
cannon from the battery were ordered up to the north end of the point, to be in readi- 
ness in case of an attempt at landing: this hazardous service was performed by vol- 
unteers of the Norwich artillery, who instantly offered themselves, under tin 
mand of Lieutenant Lathrop. This party, though exposed the whole time to the ene- 
my's fire, accomplished the enterprise without loss. During the whole scene no lives 
were lost, and but two or three wounded. The houses were several times set on fire 
by the rockets and shells, but were soon extinguished by the patrole. Many of the 
buildings were much damaged, and few remain without some marks of the bom- 
bardment. The judicious arrangements of General dishing, and the spirit and alac- 
rity with which the militia turned out to defend Slonington, and guard the other ex- 
posed points, prevented those ulterior operations of the British, which were appre- 
hended bv that general, and which no doubt were designed as the ultimate object of 
the expedition. The citizens of Connecticut, when called upon to defend their dwell- 
ings from conflagration, manifested a zeal and bravery worthy of freemen in defense 
of their soil. The reception which the British met with at Stonington, deterred them 
from any further attempts on the coast of Connecticut." 



WATERFORD. 



Waterford was formerly included within the limits of NewLondon. 
It was incorporated as a distinct town in 1801. It is bounded n. by 
Montville, w. by Lyme, e. by New London and the Thames, and s. 
by Long Island sound. Its average length is 7 miles, and its average 
breadth about five miles. Its surface is uneven, and the soil a gravelly 
loam, better adapted to grazing than grain, of which there is little cul- 
tivated, excepting Indian corn. There are two woolen factories in the 
town. In the southwestern part of the town is a valuable granite 
quarry, owned by the Messrs. Gardiner, at which many workmen are 
employed. 

There are three houses for public worship in this town, all of which 
are for the Baptist denomination ; one of which is for the Seventh day 
Baptists, so called from their observing Saturday, the Jewish sabbath, 
instead ofthe first day. 

The following is from Backus' history of the Baptists, vol. 1, pub- 
lished in Boston in 1777. 

" A new sect came out from among the Baptists about this time, -who have caused not 
a little trouble to themselves and others, of whom I have collected the following brief 
account, chiefly from the letters preserved by Mr. Samuel Hubbard. In the close of 
the 3 ear 1674, the family of Mr. James Rogers of New London, called Mr. Crandal 
over from Westerly, who preached among them, and baptized his sons John and James, 



348 



WATERFORD. 



find an Indian named Japhct. This alarmed the other denomination, and Mr. Brad- 
street, minister at New London, said he hoped the next court would take a course with 
thern. They sent to Newport, and elder Hickox, Mr. Hubbard, and his son Clarke, 
were sent to visit them in March, 1675, when Jonathan Rogers was also baptized, and 
nil four of them were received as members of their church by prayer and laying on of 
bands. Hereupon John Rogers' father-in-law, took his wife and children from him; 
and upon her complaints against him, he was carried before their deputy governor, and 
committed to I [artford gaol, from whence he wrote to Mr. Hubbard, April 6th, 176o. 
How long he continued there I do not find, only he visited the church at Newport the 
next September. ( in September 18th, 1071), those lour members went with a boat and 
brought elder Hickox and Mr. Hubbard to New London again, when old Mr. Rogers, 
his wife, and daughter, were all baptized and received into that church ; whereupon 
they were called before the magistrate, but were soon released ; though from that time 
they began to imprison the Rogerses for working on the first day of the week. And 
when Mr. Hickox and Mr. Hubbard visited them again, and held worship with them 
two miles out of town, on their sabbath, Nov. 23, 1677, and Joseph Rogers' wife had 
next morning given them a satisfying account of her experiences, John must needs 
have them go up to town to baptize her there. Mr. Hubbard opposed it, but John 
carried the day; and while Mr. Hickox was preaching at town, the constable came 
and took him, and they all went before the magistrate ; where also was the minister, 
Mr. Bradstreel, who had much to say about the good way their fathers had set up. 
Upon which Mr. Hubbard, obtaining leave to speak, said, ' you are a young man, but 
1 am an old planter of about forty years, a beginner of Connecticut, and have been 
persecuted for my conscience from this colony, and I can assure you, that the old begin- 
ners were not for persecution, but we had liberty at first.' After further discourse, the 
magistrate said could you not do it elsewhere ? ' A good answer,' says Mr. Hubbard ; 
and so they were released and went to Samuel Rogers' house, where his brother John 
put himself forward, prayed, and then went out to the water and baptized his sister : 
upon which Mr. Hickox was seized again, as supposing he had done it, but John came 
before the magistrate, and was forward to make known his act therein ; so the others 
were released and returned home." 

" Jonathan Rogers, had married Naomi Burdick, granddaughter to Mr. Hubbard, 
and on March 2, 1678, elder Hickox, baptized her at Westerly, together with James 
Babe ck, George Lamphere, and two others, and on the 5th of May following, Joseph 
Clarke wrote from thence to his father Hubbard, that John and James Rogers with 
their father were in prison; "having previously excommunicated Jonathan, chiefly 
because he did not retain their judgment of the unlawfulness of using medicine, nor 
accuse himself before authority, for working on the first day of the week." Hereupon 
the church at Newport sent messengers to New London about this matter, who re- 
ported on their return that, " a practice was started up (out of conscience,) that because 
the world, yea, most professors, pray in their families mornings and nights, and before 
meats and after, in a customary way, therefore to forbear prayer in their families, 
or at meats publickly except some are led forth upon some special occasion ; saying 

they find no command in the word of God for it." " The church repeatedly 

sent and labored with them but to no effect." "From this beginning proceeded 

a sect which has continued to this day, whom from their chief leader have been called 
Rogerenes. In their dialect, and many other things, they have been like the first 
Quakers in this country (?) though they have retained the external use of baptism and 
the supper, and have been singular in refusing the use of means and medicines for 
their bodies. Their greatest zeal has been discovered going from meeting to meeting, 
and from town to town, as far as Norwich and Lebanon, (the one 14, the other 24 
miles,) to testify against hireling teachers, and against keeping the first day of the 
week as a sabbath, which they call the idol sabbath. And when the authority have 
taken them up, and fined them therefor, and have sometimes whipt them for refusing 
to pay it, they have soon published accounts of all such persecutions, which has been 
the very means of keeping their sect alive. When the Small Pox was very terrible 
in Boston, in 1721, and great fear of it was discovered in the country, John Rogers 
their founder, was confident he could go in where it was and not catch it : and to prove 
his faith, went 100 miles to Boston, but catched the distemper, came home and died 
with it, and scattered it in his family: yet his successors still kept on in their way. 
So late down as 1763, some of them repeatedly came and clapped shingles and pieces 
of boards around the meeting house in Norwich town, as well as delivered messages to 

the worshippers against their keeping of the Lord's day Besides these there 

have been some Sabbatarian Baptists in that place, from the beginning to the present 
lime, though not a distinct church." 



FAIRFIELD 



349 



FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Fairfield County is bounded n. by Litchfield Connty, n. e. and 
e. by the Housatonic river, which separates it from the county of New 
Haven, on the s. e. and s. by Long Island Sound, and w. by the state 
of New York. The county is of a triangular form, and lias an average 
length from east to west of about 30 miles, and a mean breadth from 
north to south of about 21 miles. It extends about 40 miles on Long 
Island sound, and abounds with bays, points, and harbors, affording 
many interesting and beautiful landscapes. Proceeding from the Sound 
into the interior, there is a very gradual rise to the most elevated sec- 
tions of the county, which overlook the intervening tract. The face 
of the country is generally agreeably diversified with hills and valleys. 
The soil, which in general is a primitive gravelly loam, is, with kw 
exceptions, strong and fertile, and this county may be considered as a 
rich farming district, containing abundant natural resources of agricul- 
tural wealth. Manufactures of various kinds receive considerable atten- 
tion in some parts of the county, and the business is increasing. 

The following is a list of the several towns in the county, with their 
population in 1830. 

4,222 Monroe, . . 

4,31 1 New Canaan, 

2,800 New Fairfield, 

1,255 Newtown, . . 

1,212 Norwalk, . . 

3, H01 Reading, . 



Fairfield, . 

Dan bury, 

Bridgeport, 

Brookfield, 

Darien, 

Greenwich, 

Huntington, 



1,371 jRidgefield, 



1 ,522 


Sherman, 


947 


1,830 


Stamford, 


. 3,707 


939 


Stratford, 


. 1,814 


3,096 


Trumbull, 


. 1,242 


3,792 


Weston, . 


. 2,997 


1,686 


Westport, 




• 


2,305 


Wilton, . 


. 2,097 



Population of the county in 1820, 42,739; in 1830, 46,950. 



FAIRFIELD. 

Fairfield was discovered by the pursuit of the Pequots, in 1637. 
Mr. Ludlow, who went with the troops to the Sasco, the great swamp 
in this town, was so well pleased with the fine tract of land in the vi- 
cinity, that he soon projected a settlement. In 1639, he, with a num- 
ber of others, began a plantation at Unquowa, the Indian name of the 
place. At first there were but eight or ten families. These, it appears, 
removed from Windsor with Mr. Ludlow,* the principal planter. They 
were shortly after joined by another company from Watertown. A 
third company removed into the plantation from Concord; so that the 

* Mr. Ludlow came from the west of England, with Warham and his company. 
In 1G34. he was chosen deputy governor of Massachusetts colony; the next year he 
came into Connecticut, and was twice elected deputy governor of the colony, and was 
compiler of the first Connecticut code, printed at Cambridge in 1692. lie removed 
with his family to Virginia, in 1G54. Being town clerk of Fairfield, he carried off 
their records and other public writings. 









-aJ^wJ 






350 



FAIRFIELD. 



inhabitants soon became numerous, and formed themselves into a town- 
ship under the jurisdiction of the colony of Connecticut. The first 
adventurers purchased a large tract of the natives, and soon after Con- 
necticut obtained charter privileges, the General Assembly gave them a 
patent. The purchase comprised the parishes of Fairfield, Greenfield, 
Green's Farms, and that part of Stratfield lying within the town of 
Fairfield, all the town of Weston, and a considerable part of Reading. 

" Having obtained this patent, the proprietors soon after divided the 
territory purchased into lots, which run from near the shore of the 
Sound, back about ten miles, reserving suitable highways, running par- 
allel to, and at right angles with these lots, the course of which was 
north, 28 degrees west. These highways were laid entirely straight 
for ten miles, but have since been altered in many places." 

" As but a small part of this extensive tract of land had been occu- 
pied, previously to the time when Sir Edmund Andross made his ap- 
pearance in Connecticut, the inhabitants of this town adopted this plan 
of dividing their purchase, to prevent their wild lands back from being 
taken from them ; supposing, that as they were actually in the occupa- 
tion of the front of their lots, they might be considered as possessing 
the whole, so far as to render it private property, and not subject to the 
disposal of the British government. The lots were of different widths ; 
some being about ten rods wide, while others were fifty rods in width. 
Each proprietor had sot to him a lot, the width of which was probably 
regulated by the amount of the money paid by such proprietor ; and in 
the measuring of these lots, regard was had to inches, which shows a 
precise arithmetical calculation. Each of these lots has to this day 
been called by the name of the first proprietor, although a very con- 
siderable proportion of them are owned by persons of different names. 
Nearly in the center of this town was reserved a tract, one mile in ex- 
tent, which was not divided, and was called the mile of common. 
Greenfield Hill is within the limits of this tract." 

Fairfield is bounded northerly by Weston, northeasterly by Bridge- 
port, westerly by Westport, and southerly by Long Island sound. It 
has a mean length of upwards of six miles from northeast to southwest, 
and a breadth of six miles. It is a rich agricultural township, and in 
general in a high state of cultivation. The original growth of timber 
was, at an early period, from a common but lamentable improvidence, 
entirely destroyed, so that the forests now existing are of recent growth, 
and comprise but little timber fit for building. Wood and timber, there- 
fore, command a high price. The surface of the town is undulating, 
presenting an agreeable succession of moderate eminences and gentle 
declivities. Upon the Sound are some tracts of salt marsh ; proceeding 
back, the surface has a gradual elevation ; but no portion of the town 
is mountainous, and it is in general free from stone. 

Blade Rock harbor, about I J miles from Fairfield court house, is, 
with the exception of New London, one of the best harbors in the 
Sound, being safe and commodious, and having 19 feet of water at sum- 
mer tides, below what is called the middle ground. There is a light- 
house on Fairweather's Island, which forms the easterly chop of the 



FAIRFIELD. 351 

harbor. Vessels can enter and depart from this harbor at any time of 
the tide. During the last war with Great Britain, a small fort was 
erected on an eminence commanding the entrance of the harbor, in 
which the state of Connecticut maintained a small body of militia a 
short time as a garrison. This fort was useful, in protecting the coast- 
ing trade in the Sound from the cruisers of the enemy. 

About two or three miles from Fairfield, in a northern direction, is a 
precipice about 70 feet in height, being the termination of a granitic 
ridge. This precipice is called Samp Mortar Hock, from the circum- 
stance of there being on its summit an excavation in the form of a 
mortar, and of sufficient dimensions to contain upwards of half a bushel 
of corn or other grain. The tradition is, that it was used by the native 
Indians for the purpose of pounding their corn. In the valley south 
of the rock is believed to have been the site of a large Indian village 
and burying ground. The rock above mentioned, has sometimes been 
called Owen's Mock, from the circumstance of a man by the name of 
Owen, who had lost his way, walking off this precipice in a dark night. 
His body was found the next morning. Dr. Dwight, who was at that 
time the minister at Greenfield, preached his funeral sermon. 

Fairfield is divided into three parishes, Fairfield, Green's Farms, and 
Greenfield. Fairfield, the ancient village, is situated upon the great 
stage road to New York, 4 miles from Bridgeport, 21 from New Haven, 
and 58 from New York. It is built principally upon one street, and 
round an interesting green or square. The village consists of about 100 
dwelling houses, a court house and jail, a Congregational church, and an 
academy. It is the shire town of the county. Half of the courts, how- 
ever, sit at Danbury, about twenty miles distant. 

This place was laid in ashes, by Gov. Tryon, in 1779, during the 
Revolutionary war. Eighty five dwellings were consumed in Fairfield, 
two churches, an elegant court house, fifty five barns, fifteen stores, fif- 
teen shops, &,c. The distress occasioned by this event was extreme. 
The following graphic description of the burning of Fairfield is from 
Dr. Dwight's Travels, volume 3d, page 512. 

" On the 7th July, 1779, Gov. Tryon, with the army which I have already mentioned, 
sailed from New Haven to Fairfield : and the next morning disembarked upon the 
beach. A few militia assembled to oppose them ; and in a desultory, scattered man- 
ner, fought with great intrepidity through most of the day. They killed some; took 
several prisoners ; and wounded' more. But the expedition was so sudden and unex- 
pected, that the efforts, made in this manner, were necessarily fruitless. The town 
was plundered ; a great part of the houses, together with the two churches, the court 
house, jail, and school houses, were burnt. The barns had been just filled with wheat, 
and other produce. The inhabitants, therefore, were turned out into'the world, almost 
literally destitute. 

" Mrs. Burr, the wife of Thaddeus Burr, Esq. high sheriff of the county, resolved 
to continue in the mansion house of the family, and make an attempt to save it from 
the conflagration. The house stood at a sufficient distance from other buildings.' 
Mrs. Burr was adorned with all the qualities, which gave distinction to her sex ; pos- 
sessed of fine accomplishments, and a dignity of character, scarcely rivalled; and 
probably had never known what it was to be treated with disrespect, or even with in- 
attention. She made a personal application to Gov. Tryon, in terms, which, from m 
lady of her high respectability, could hardly have failed of a satisfactory answer from 
any person, who claimed the title of a gentleman. The answer which she actually 
received, was, however, rude and brutal ; and spoke the want, not only of politeness 
and humanity, but even of vulgar civility. The house was sentenced to the flames, 



352 FAIRFIELD. 

and was speedily set on fire. An attempt was made, in the mean time, by some of the 
soldiery, to rob her of a valuable watch, with rich furniture : for Gov. Tryon refused' 
to protect her, as well as to preserve the house. The watch had been already con- 
veyed out of their reach ; but the house, filled with every thing which contributes 
either to comfort or elegance of living, was laid in ashes. 

"While the town was in flames, a thunder storm overspread the heavens, just as 
night came on. The conflagration of near two hundred houses illumined the earth, 
the skirts of tli« clouds, and the waves of the Sound, with an union of gloom and 
grandeur, at once inexpressibly awful and magnificent. The sky speedily was hung 
with the deepest darkness, wherever the clouds were not tinged by the melancholy 
lustre of the flames. At intervals, the lightnings blazed with a livid and terrible 
splendor. The thunder rolled above. Beneath, the roaring of the fires filled up the 
intervals, with a deep and hollow sound, which seemed to be the protracted murmur 
of the thunder, reverberated from one end of heaven to the other. Add to this con- 
vulsion of the elements, and these dreadful effects of vindictive and wanton devasta- 
tion, the trembling of the earth; the sharp sound of muskets, occasionally discharged ; 
the groans, here and there, of the wounded and dying; and the shouts of, triumph : 
then place before your eyes crowds of the miserable sufferers, mingled with bodies 
of the militia, and from the neighboring hills taking a farewell prospect of their prop- 
erty and their dwellings, their happiness and their hopes: and you will form a just 
but imperfect picture of the burning of Fairfield. It needed no great effort of imagin- 
ation to believe, that the final day had arrived ; and that amid this funereal darkness, 
the morning would speedily dawn, to which no night would ever succeed ; the graves 
yield up their inhabitants; and the trial commence, at which was to be finally settled 
"the destiny of man. 

" The apology made by Gov. Tryon for this Indian effort, was conveyed in the fol- 
lowing sentence. ' The village was burnt, to resent the fire of the rebels from their 
houses, and to mask our retreat.' This declaration unequivocally proves, that the 
rebels were troublesome to their invaders; and at the same time is to be considered as 
the best apology, which they were able to make. But it contains a palpable falsehood, 
intended to justify conduct which admits of no excuse, and rejects wit hjjg -dain every 
attempt at palliation. Why did this body of men land at Fairfiek^^^H ? There 
were here no stores; no fortress; no enemy; except such as were to beunmd in every 
village throughout the United States. It was undoubtedly the original object of the 
expedition to set fire to this town, and the apology was created after the work was 
done. It was perfectly unnecessary to mask the retreat. The townsmen, and the 
little collection of farmers, assembled to aid them, had no power to disturb it. No 
British officer, no British soldier, would confess, that in these circumstances he felt 
the least anxiety concerning any molestation from such opposers. 

" The injuries done to a single family, were an immense overbalance for all the 
good acquired in this expedition, either by the individuals engaged in it, or the nation 
in whose service they acted. Particularly, that highly respectable pair, Mr. and Mrs. 
Burr, in the loss of the mansion of their ancestors, and the treasures with which it had 
been stored through a long succession of years; where the elegant hospitality, which 
had reigned in it ; the refined enjoyments, which were daily felt, and daily distributed 
to the friend, and the stranger; the works' of charity, which were there multiplied; 
and the rational piety, which was at once the animating and controlling principle; 
diffused a brilliancy, marked even by the passing eye ; lost more than the whole Brit- 
ish nation gained by this devastation. 

" The next morning the troops re-embarked ; and, proceeding to Green's Farms, set 
fire to the church, and consumed it; together with fifteen dwelling houses, eleven 
barns, and several stores. Among the houses was that of the Rev. Dr. Ripley, the 
respectable clergyman of this parish. Here, also, was another proof, that burning 
was the object of the expedition. The number of dwelling houses consumed in Fair- 
field was eighty five ; of barns, fifty five; of stores, fifteen; of shops, fifteen; &c.'' 



The building; seen in the center of the print is the court house ; the 
church is on the right, and the jail on the left. All these buildings 
are erected on the very same foundations on which similar buildings 
stood in 1779, when Tryon laid them in ashes. The church is built 
precisely in the same form as the one burnt, it being the wish of the el- 
derly people, that the house should have the same appearance as for- 
merly ; the same fact is believed to be true of the form of the court 
hotfse and jail. The stone steps of the church remain in their former 



FAIRFIELD, 



353 




East view of the Court House, Church and Jail, Fairfield. 

position, though somewhat broken by- the falling of timbers, &lc. at the 
time the house was burnt. Taking these facts into consideration, it may 
be fairly presumed, that this place, the green, houses, &tc. have the 
same appearance as they did in 1779. At the time of the burning of 
the town, there were five hundred barrels of rice, which had been smuc- 
gled, stored in the cellar" of the court house; it was all destroyed by 
the fire. As a British officer was coming out of this cellar, a 24 lb. 
shot came so near him, that he .barely saved himself by springing up- 
wards, and the ball passed between his legs. The house of Mr. Burr, 
mentioned by Dr. Dwight, was about ten' rods distant from the jail, on 
the eastern side of the road. Mr. Jones' house, one of the handsomest 
in the place, is built upon its foundations. One of the Hessians who 
was killed, was buried at the western side of the church. 




Western view of the Buckley house, Fairfield 



This building is one of the oldest in the town, having stood one hun- 
dred and fifty years, and has been used as a tavern ever since the year 
1740, till within one or two years past. It stands on the eastern side 

45 



354 



FAIRFIELD. 



of the green, fronting the church, which is about thirty rods distant. 
When this house was erected, it was necessary to clear away the forest 
trees. It was built by Mr. Buckley, and has ever remained in possess- 
ion of his descendants of that name to the present time. There has 
been however two modern additions ; one is seen at the south end, the 
other on the west side of the house. At the time of the invasion of the 
British, a 24 pound shot, which was fired from Black Rock, entered the 
chimney. In the entrance at the door, are still to be seen the marks of 
twenty seven bullets, on the stair-way. The heat was so great during 
the conflagration, that all the window glass in front of this house were 
broken. This house was Tryon's head-quarters while in the place ; he 
lodged in the chamber in the south part of the house, shewn in the en- 
graving by the letter a. It was also the head-quarters of Col. Tal- 
madge, who arrived from White Plains the day after Tryon left. His 
army encamped before the house, and their tents covered the green. 
Soon after the army had departed, Capt. Sturges, who commanded a 
company of militia, came into the street, placed a field piece in front of 
where the church now stands, and pointing it at the Buckley house, in- 
formed Mrs. Buckley that he would allow her a short time to clear the 
house, and unless she left it, would blow her to atoms. Mrs. Buckley 
found means to let Gen. Silliman (who lived about two miles distant) 
know her situation. He immediately came, and found about 150 men 
by the cannon. He ordered them to disperse, and unless they obeyed 
him, he would put them under guard. This threat had the desired 
effect. 

The naval officer who had charge of the fleet, which conveyed the 
British forces under Tryon to this place, and acted as pilot, was brother 
to Mrs. Buckley. Before Tryon landed his forces, he requested that the 
house of his sister might be saved, and its inmates protected. Tryon, 
after his arrival, informed Mrs. Buckley that if she wished any other 
houses spared, it should be done ; accordingly the four neighboring 
houses were saved by her means. Tryon having occasion to leave the 
house for a short time, a Hessian soldier, taking advantage of his ab- 
sence, came into the house, and seeing a gold ring on the finger of Mrs. 
Buckley, demanded it of her, with the threat that if she refused he 
would cut off her finger: she refusing, he seized her hand, and tore off 
the ring with such violence that part of the flesh was stripped from her 
finger. When Tryon returned, being informed of this transaction, he 
ordered the Hessian to be severely punished. 

The British landed in the morning, and stayed during the day and 
night. The town was fired very early next morning. As they left the 
place, the Hessians remained behind and set fire to the buildings. It 
seems to have been the policy of the British commanders, to employ this 
part of their forces to perform all acts of a barbarous and savage kind, 
which they wished to inflict. The inhabitants generally fled, but not 
expecting to have their houses burnt, left most of their furniture. There 
was but little opposition, there being but few militia and no regular troops 
in the vicinity, at the time of the landing. Among the barbarous trans- 
actions of the enemy was the following, which was related by Capt. 
Levi Burr, an eye witness, who was then a lad, ten years of age. 



FAIRFIELD, 



355 



A shot was fired from one of the houses, which killed a British sol- 
dier ; his comrades rushed into the house, seized the man who they 
supposed had fired the shot, wrapped him up in a shee,t, which had 
been dipped in rum, and set it on fire. An aged colored man, it is said, 
also suffered death in the same manner. 

The following elegy on the burning of Fairfield was written by Col. 
Humphreys, in 1779, on the spot where the town stood. 



Ye smoking ruins, marks of hostile ire, 

Ye ashes warm, which drink the tears that flow, 

Ye desolated plains my voice inspire, 

And give soft music to the song of woe. 

How pleasant, Fairfield, on th' enraptur'd sight, 

Rose thy tall spires, and op'd thy social halls! 

How oft my bosom beat with pure delight 

At yonder spot where stand thy darkened walls ! 

But there the voice of mirth resounds no more. 

A silent sadness thro' the streets prevails ; 

The distant main alone is heard to roar, 

Ami hollow chimneys hum with sudden gales — 

San where scorch'd elms th' untimely" foliage 

shed, 
Which rustling, hovers round the faded green — 
Save where, at twilight, mourners frequent tread, 
Mid recent graves, o'er desolation's scene. 
Mow chang'd the blissful prospect when compar'd 
These glooms funereal, with thy former bloom, 
Thy hospitable rights when Tryon shar'd 

Long ere he sealed thy melancholy d n. 

That impious wretch with coward voice decreed 
Defenceless domes and hallowed fanes to dust ; 
Beheld, with sneering smile, the wounded bleed, 
And spurr'd his bands to rapine, blood, and lust. 
Vain was the widow's, vain the orphan's cry, 
To touch his feelings, or to soothe his rage — 
Vain the fair drop that roll'd from beauty's eye, 
Vain the dumb grief of supplicating age. 
Could Tryon hope to quench the patriot flame, 
Or make his deeds survive in glory's page'J 
Could Britons seek of savages the same ; 
Or deem it conquest, thus the war to wage? 



Yes. liritons scorn the councils of the skies, 
Extend wide havoc, spurn th' insulted Iocs; 
'I'lr insulted foes to tenfold vengeance rise, 
Resistance growing as the danger grows. 
lied in their wounds, and pointing to the plain, 
The visionary shapes before me stand — 
The thunder bursts, the battle burns again, 
And kindling fires encrimson all the strand. 
Long dusky wreaths of smoke, reluctant driv'n, 
In black'ning volumes o'er the landscape bend : 
Here the broad splendor blazes high to heav'n. 
There umber'd streams in purple pomp ascend. 
In fiery eddies, round the tott'ring walls, 
Emitting sparks, the lighter fragments My ; 
With frightful crash flie burning mansion falls, 
The works of years in glowing embers lie. 
Tryon, behold thy sanguine flames aspire, 
Clouds ting'd witii dies intolerably bright. 
Behold, well pleas'd the village wrapt in fire, 
Let one wide nun glut thy ravish'd sight ! 
Ere fades the grateful scene, indulge thine eye, 
See age and sickness, tremulously slow 
( !reep from the flames. See babes in torture die, 
And mothers swoon in agonies of woe. 
Co, gaze enraptur'd with the mother's tear, 
The infant's terror, and the captive's pain. 
Where no bold bands can check thy curst career ; 
Mix fire with blood on each unguarded plain ! 
These be thy triumphs ! this thy boasted fame! 
Daughters of mem'ry raise the deathless song ! 
Repeat thro' endless years nts hated name, 
Embalm his crimes, and teach the world our 
wrongs. 



Southport is situated at the mouth of Mill river, and is a flourishing 
village, about two miles s. w. of Fairfield court house. Ten years since 
it contained only about twenty buildings ; at this time there are from 60 
to 70 dwelling houses, 8 stores, an academy, post office, a bank,, and 
an Episcopal church. Forty years since there were but eight build- 
ings in this place, and but one sloop owned, which Tun to Boston ; now 
more shipping is owned in this place in proportion to its size, than in 
any other place between New York and Boston. It has the advantage 
of a considerably extensive and fertile back country. The produce from 
Greenfield, and the country adjacent, is brought here, to be shipped for 
New York and the southern ports. The harbor is small, but of suffi- 
cient depth to float vessels of about 100' tons burthen. It has an ad- 
vantage over most other harbors on the coast, in its being rarely frozen 
sufficiently to obstruct navigation. Ten thousand dollars have been 
granted by the U. S. government for the improvement of the harbor, 
and an extensive breakwater was erected at its entrance, in 1831. Im- 
mediately opposite the village there are very extensive flats, which 
sometimes are overflowed by freshets. 

One of the most prominent objects in the following view, is the Episco- 
palc hurch, which stands on elevated ground ; the small spire on the left 
stands on the Academy, near which is seen the Southport Bank, with 
pillars in front. The building in the distance on the extreme right is a 



356 



F A I R F I F. \. D . 




South view of the Borough of Southport, Fairfield. 

flour mill, situated on the New York turnpike, about one fourth of a 
mile from the village. The spire of the Episcopal church in Fairfield, 
is seen ahove the mill. Immediately hack of the village is the celebra- 
ted Pequot swamp,* where this once powerful and warlike tribe of sav- 
ages, in July, 1637, made their last stand against the forces of Connec- 
ticut and Massachusetts, under the command of Capt. Mason. In this, 
their last conflict with the English, the Pequots received their final 
overthrow, and their existence as a distinct tribe was annihilated. Dr. 
Dwight, in his poem entitled " Greenfield Hill," says, after the Pequot 
fort at Mystic was destroyed by Capt. Mason, a large body of the Pe- 
quots found refuge in this swamp. "One of their number loitering be- 
hind the rest, was discovered by the English troops, then commanded 
by Capt. Stoughton, of Massachusetts ; and was compelled to disclose, 
their retreat. One hundred of them, it is said, surrendered. The rest, 
bravely resolving to live and die together, were attacked and chiefly 
destroyed." The following is extracted from the fourth part of the 
poem. This part is entitled, "The Destruction of the Pequots." 

"Amid a circling marsh, expanded wide, 

To alone hill the Pequots wound their way; 

And none, but Heaven, the mansion had descried, 

Close-tangled, wild, impervious to the day; 

But one poor wanderer, loitering long astray, 

Wilder'd in labyrinths of pathless wood, 

In a tall tree embower'd obscurely lay: 

Straight sumrnon'd down, the trembling supplianl show'd 

Where lurk'd his vanished friends, within their drear abode." 



* Anew road was made two or three years since through the Pequol swaiii|>, pass- 
ing over some remains of an Indian fort, which it appeals formerly stood mi an ele- 
vated piece of ground in the midst of the swamp. In order to lower the ground where 
the fort stood, (the surface of the ground being frozen,) an excavation was made, in 
doing which the earth above fell, and one man was instantly killed. 



FAIRFIELD. 



357 




b m 




Academy and Congregational Church on Greenfield Hill, Fairfield. 

The building on the right is the Congregational church, in which 
President Dwight, of Yale College, preached a number of years. He 
resided a few rods south of the church, in a house which he built, now 
the mansion of Isaac Bronson, Esq., a gentleman* of great wealth and 
respectability. The Academy* hs seen on the left ; it is a small build- 
ing, about the ordinary size of a school-house. It was established and 
its reputation maintained by Dr. Dwight for twelve years. It is still a 
respectable seminary, where young ladies are taught the, higher branches 
of female education. • On the extreme left is seen the spire oX the Con- 
gregational church in Fairfield, about three miles distant, beyond which 
the Sound and Long Island appear. This place is most justly celebrated 
for the prospect which is obtained from the belfry- of the church. No 
other spot in Connecticut can show such a commanding, extensive, and 
beautiful prospect. Seventeen churches can be seen, viz. two in Fair- 
field, three in Bridgeport, two in Stratford, two in Milford, two on Long 
Island, and one in each of the following places, viz. New Canaan, Rea- 
ding, Northfield, Green's Farms, Southport, and Canaan. Five light- 

* This academic school and its preceptor, (Dr. Dwight,) are thus referred to in the 
poem "Greenfield Hill." 

" Where yonder humble spire salutes the eye, 

Its vane slow turning in the liquid sky, 

Where, in light gambols, healthy striplings sport, 

Ambitious learning builds his outer court; 

A grave preceptor, there, her usher stands, 

And rules, without a rod, her little bands, 

Some hall-grown. sprigs of learning graced his brow; 

Little he knew, though much he wish'd to know, 

Enchanted hung o'er Virgil's honey'd lay, 

And smil'd, to see desipient Horace play; 

Glean'd scraps of Greek; and, cu-rious, trae'd afar, 

Through Pope's clear glass, .the bright Maeonian star, 

Yet oft his students at his wisdom star'd, 

For many a student toTiis side repair'd, 

Surprised they heard him Dilworth's knots untie, 

And tell, what lands beyond the Atlantic lie." 



358 FAIRFIELD. 

houses are also seen from this place, viz. one on Norwalk Island, Ea- 
ton's Neck, Black Rock, Stratford Point, and New Pasture light. In a 
clear day, the East Rock near New Haven is distinctly seen. The 
society or parish of Greenfield is about four miles square, and contains 
about 1200 inhabitants. It is believed that some of the best farmers 
in the state are in this place and its vicinity ; they live scattered about 
on their farms. The average amount of land improved by each farmer 
is about 150 acres of fine soil, the average price of which is about one 
hundred dollars per acre. 

Dr. Dwight, while the minister of Greenfield, wrote the poem enti- 
tled Greenfield Hill. " On this height," he says, " the writer is sup- 
posed to stand. The first object there offering itself to his view, is the 
Landscape; which is accordingly made -the governing subject of the 
first part of the poem. The following is an extract. 

" Heavens, whnt a matchless group of beauties rare 

Southward expands! where crown'd with yon tall oak, 

Round-hill the circling land and sea o'erlooks; 

Or, smoothly sloping, Grover's beauteous rise, 

Spreads its green sides, and lifts its single tree, 

Glad mark for seamen ; or, with ruder face, 

Orchards, and fields, and groves, and houses rare, 

And scatter'd cedars, Mill-hill meets the eye: 

Or where, beyond, with every beauty clad, 

More distant heights in vernal pride ascend. 

On either side, a long, continued range, 

In all the charms of rural nature dress'd 

Slopes gently to the main. Ere Tryon sunk 

To infamy unfathom'd, thr&' yon groves 

Once glisten'd Norwalk's white-ascending spires, 

And soon, if Heaven permit, shall shine again. 

Here, sky-encircled, Stratford's churches beam; 

And Stratfield's turrets greet the roving eye. 

In clear, full view, with every varied charm 

That forms the finish'd landscape, blending soft 

In matchless union, Fairfield and Green's Farms 

Give lustre to the day. Here, crown'd with pines 

And skirting groves, with creeks and havens fair 

Embcllish'd, led with many a beauteous stream, 

Prince of the waves, and ocean's favorite child, 

Far westward fading in confusion blue, 

And eastward stretch'd beyond the human ken, 

And mingled with the sky; there Longa's Sound 

Glorious expands." 



The following is from the 3d volume of the Massachusetts Historical 

Collections ; it is entitled " A letter from the Rev. Andrew Eliot, to 

Rev. John Eliot, of Boston ; concerning the burning of Fairfield, in 

July, 1779." 

Fairfield, July 15, 1779. 

Dear Brother,—! sit down to write you some account of the sad and awful scenes 
which have been exhibited in this once pleasant and delightful town, now, alas! a heap 
of ruins, a sad spectacle of desolation and wo. 

It was in the beginning of wheat harvest, a season of extraordinary labor and fes- 
tivity; a season which promised the greatest plenty that has been known for many 
years, if within the memory of man. Never did our fields bear so ponderous a load, 
never were our prospects, with regard to sustenance, so bright. 

The British fleet and army, with the American refugees that had possessed and 
plundered New Haven, set sail from that distressed place on the 6th instant. 



FAIRFIELD. 359 

About four o'clock the next morning, the approach of the fleet was announced by the 
firing of a gun from a small fort we have on Grower's hill, contiguous to the Sound. 
They seemed however to be passing by. And about seven o'clock we, with pleasure, 
beheld them all to the westward of us, steering, as we thought to New York. A very 
thick fog came on, which entirely deprived us of the sight of them till between the 
hours of nine and ten, when the mist clearing away, we beheld the whole fleet under 
our western shore, and some of them close in with Kensie's Point. They presently 
came to anchor, and lay till about four in the afternoon, when they began to land their 
troops a little to the east of Kensie's Point, at a place called the Pines. From thence 
the troops marched along the beach until they came to a lane opposite the center of 
the town, through which they proceeded, and in about an hour paraded in their divis- 
ions on the green, between the meeting house and court house. From thence they 
detached their guards, and dividing into small parties, proceeded to their infernal 
business. Their commanding officers were Sir George Collier by sea, Generals 
Tryon and Garth by land. The approach of the fleet was so sudden,^ that but few 
men could be collected, though the alarm guns were fired immediately on the dissipa- 
tion of the fog. There was no thought of opposing their landing, as our force was 
nothing to theirs. Our little party, however, posted themselves so as to annoy them 
to the best advantage, expecting they would land at the Point. When our people 
found them landing on the left and marching in the rear to take possession of the 
town, they immediately retreated to the court house; and as the enemy advanced from 
the beach lane, they gave them such a warm reception with a field piece, which threw 
both round and grape shot, and with their musketry, as quite disconcerted them for 
some time. The column, however, quickly recovered its solidity, and advancing 
rapidly, forced our small body to retreat to the heights, back of the town, where they 
were joined by numbers coming in from the country. The enemy were likewise gall- 
ed very much, as they turned from the beach to the lane, by the cannon which played 
from Grover's hill. 

The town was almost cleared of inhabitants. A few women, some of whom were 
of the most respectable families and characters, tarried with a view of saving their 
property. They imagined their sex and character would avail to such a purpose. 
They put some confidence in the generosity of an enemy, who were once famed for 
generosity and politeness; and thought that kind treatment and submissive behavior 
would secure them against harsh treatment and rough usage. Alas! they were mis- 
erably mistaken, and bitterly repented their confidence and presumption. 

The Hessians were first let loose for rapine- and plunder. They entered houses, 
attacked the persons of whig and tory indiscriminately; breaking open desks, trunks, 
closets, and taking away every thing of value. They robbed'women of their buckles, 
rings, bonnets, aprons, and handkerchiefs. They abused them with the foulest and 
most profane language, threatened their lives without 'the least regard-to the most 
earnest cries and entreaties. Looking glasses, china, and all kinds of furniture were 
soon dashed to pieces. 

Another party that came on were the American refugees, who, in revenge for their 
confiscated estates, carried on the same direful business. They were not, however, 
so abusive to the women as the former, but appeared very furious against the town 
and country. The Britons, by what I could learn, were the least inveterate : some of 
the officers seemed to pity the misfortunes of the country, but in excuse said', that they 
had no other way to gain their authority over us. Individuals among the British 
troops, were, however exceedingly abusive, especially to women. Some were forced 
to submit to the most indelicate and rough treatment, in defense of their virtue,- and 
now bear the bruises of horrid conflict. 

About an hour before sunset, the conflagration began at the house of Mr. Isaac Jen- 
nings, which was consumed, with the neighboring buildings. In the evening, the 
house of Elijah Abel, Esq. sheriff of the county, was consumed with a few others. 
In the night several buildings in the main street. Gen. Tryon was in various parts 
of the town plot ; with the good women begging and entreating him to spare their 
houses. Mr. Sayre, the Church of England missionary, a gentleman firmly and zeal- 
ously engaged in the British interest, and who has sutiered considerably in their cause, 
joined with them in these entreaties ; he begged the general to spare the town, but 
was denied. He then begged that some few houses might be spared as a shelter for 
those who could provide habitations no where else; this was denied also. At length 
Mr. Tryon consented to save the buildings of Mr. Burr and the writer of this epistle. 
Both had been plundered ere this. He said, likewise, that the houses for public wor- 
ship should be spared. He was far from being in a good temper, during the whole 
affair. General Garth, at the other end of the town, treated the inhabitants with as 
much humanity, as his errand would admit. 

At sunrise some considerable part of the town was standing: but in about two 
hours the flames became general. The burning parties carried on their business with 



360 FAIRFIELD. 

horrible alacrity, headed by one or two persons who were bora and bred in the neigh- 
boring towns. All the town, from the bridge by Colonel Gold's to the Mill river, a 
few houses excepted, was a heap of ruin. 

About eisht o'clock, the enemy sounded a retreat. We had some satisfaction, 
amidst our sorrow ami distress, to see that the meetinghouse and a few other buildings 
remained. But the rear guard, consisting of a banditti, the vilest that was ever let loose 
among men, set fire to every thing which General Tryon had left, the large and ele- 
gant meeting house, the minister's houses, Mr. Burr's, and several other houses which 
had received protection. The}' tore the protection to pieces, damned Tryon, abused 
the women most shamefully, and then ran off in a most disgraceful manner. Hap- 
pily, our people came in and extinguished the flames in several houses ; so that we are 
not entirely destitute. 

The rear guard, which behaved in so scandalous a manner, were chiefly German 
troops, called Yaugers. They carry a small rifle gun, and fight in a skulking manner, 
like our Indians. They may be properly called sons of plunder and devastation. 

Our people on the heights, back of the town, were joined by numbers, but not equal 
to the numbers of the enemy. They were skirmishing all the evening, part ol the 
night, and the next morning. The enemy were several times disconcerted and driven 
from their outposts. Had they continued longer in town, it must have been fatal to 
them ; for the militia were collecting from all parts. 

Our fort yet stands. The enemy sent a row galley to silence it, and there was con- 
stant firing between them all night. One or two attempts were made to take it by 
parties of troops, but it was most bravely and obstinately defended by Lieut. Isaac 
Jarvis of this town, who had but twenty three men besides himself. 

The militia followed these bloody incendiaries to the place of embarkation, and 
galled them considerably. The embarkation took place about twelve o'clock, and 
they set sail for Long Island about two or three in the afternoon. 

Many were killed on both sides. The number cannot be ascertained. They car- 
ried off some prisoners, but no person of distinction. 

One particular I would mention. After Tryon had begun to burn, he sent out the 
proclamation which you have in the Hartford paper. In the midst of hostilities, 
while the flames were raging and bullets flying, who should come out with the flag, 
but Mr. Sayre ! A spirited answer was sent in ; and the people were so enragad that 
hostilities should be going on in the time of negociation ; and that Mr. Sayre should 
be the bearer of such an insulting proclamation, and at such a time, that the said gen- 
tleman was obliged to quit the town when the enemy left it. His whole family weie 
obliged to go with him, leaving the greatest part of their substauce behind, which be- 
came fuel for the flames, indiscriminately scattered by the rear guard. The reply 
which general Tryon made to Mr. Sayre, when he asked to go with him was, " You 
may goon board the ships, sir, but I cannot promise you any help or assistance." 

The Church of England building was consumed, but by whom, or at what time, I 
am unable to say. 

Unconnected with them, unsolicited on my part, through the intercession of Mr. 
Sayre, my house and properly received a protection in General Tryon's own hand- 
writing. A sentinel was placed there some part of the time. But sad experience 
convinces me to how little purpose all this was. My property was plundered, my house 
and furniture all consumed, though a lady was so kind as to show them the protec- 
tion, which like others, was torn in pieces by the Yaugers. 

Our friend, Joseph Bertram, was shot through the breast ; old Mr. Solomon Sturgis, 
an Irish servant of Mr. Penfield, and a negro man belonging to Mr. Lewis, were put 
to death by the bayonet. 

The distress of this poor people is inexpressible. A most pleasant and delightful 
town in flames ! What a scene did the 8th of July present. 

But I must forbear! Every thing I have written you may depend upon as a fact : 

my pen has not been guided by prejudice, whatever my feelings are ; and should you 
publish the letter, every reader may be assured that there is not the least deviation 
from what actually took place upon this melancholy occasion. 

Yours, &c. Andrew Eliot. 



EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. 

Prom the Connecticut Journal, Peb. 20, 17G8. 
Last Friday, pursuant to the sentence of the Superior Court, then silting at Fair- 
field, Archibald Fippeny, Lewis Bennet, John Mallett, and Nathaniel Bunnell, were 
crop't, and branded with the letter C on their Foreheads, for counterfeiting the lawful 
money bills of this colony, New York bills, dollars, &c. Several others were try'd at 
the same couit, on suspicion of being accomplices with them iu the same crimes, but 



FAIRFIELD. 86 1 

the evidence not being sufficient to convict them, they were discharged. Seth Porter 

and Sturges, not chusing tobetry'd forfeited their bonds for appearance, the 

former one thousand pounds, and the other five hundred. 

They were in partnership with that gang who are taken up at New York, as men- 
tioned under the New York head. 



From the Connecticut Journal, Julybth, 1771. 
We hear from Fairfield, that on the 12th alt. a number of men, at low water, walked 
out to get clams, upon the Beach in that harbor, where they continued so long that 
they were surrounded by the tide, and in wading ashore several of them were in im- 
minent danger of losing their lives; however, they all escaped except one David 
Keeler of Ridgefield, who being a good swimmer, attempted the passage with a bag of 
clams fastened to the waistband of his breeches, when in crossing a hole of deep water 
he sunk, and was drowned before any assistance could be given him. His body was 
found within three hours, and several experiments tried to restore him to life, but in 
vain. It is remarkable that the same day 12 months, and about the same hour of the 
day, lieut. Abraham Camp of that town was drowned in attempting to swim a horse 
across the same deep hole, and soon after one Benjamin Whitney was drowned in or 
near the same place. 



The following letter is copied from the town Records of Fairfield. 

Boston, November 24, 1774. 

Gentlemen, — The testimony which the patriotic inhabitants of the town of Fairfield 
have given of their attachment to the common and glorious cause of Liberty, by the 
liberal donation of seven hundred and fifty bushels of grain, by Capt. Thorp, has 
alforded much comfort as well as seasonable relief to their friends in Boston, who arc 
now suffering under the cruel rod of tyranny and oppression. The sympathy of our 
friends is a great support under our trials, notwithstanding the greatness and severity 
of them, and we trust, through the favor of our God, we shall be enabled to persevere 
in our opposition to the enemies of America, and so answer the hopes and expecta- 
tions of our friends, of whose generous donations we trust we shall ever retain a grate- 
ful sense. 

We are particularly obliged by the assurances you give us, " that you are not in- 
sensible of our sufferings, and the hope you express, that you shall consider yourselves 
bound to afford us such succor and relief, as your circumstances and our wants may 
demand." 

May a kind providence bountifully reward your liberality and kindness, and the 
blessings of Him that was ready to perish, come down and rest on the heads of the 
generous inhabitants of the town of Fairfield. 

We hope the inclosed account of the manner in which the committee are distributing 
the donations of our friends and benefactors, in whose cause fas well as our own) this 
town is suffering, will meet with your approbation, as it will afford great satisfaction 
to your obliged friend, and humble servants. 

Henry Hill, 
G34 Bushels of Rve. By order of the Committee of Donations. 

116 Bushels of Wheat. 

750 Bushels. 

Received 3 pair Shoes of Capt. Thorp. 
To Mr. Jon. Sturges and others, Committee for collecting donations in the town of 
Fairfield, Connecticut. 



The following inscriptions are from monuments in the hurying ground 

a short distance eastward from the court house in Fairfield. 

In memory of the Rev. Noah Hodart, A.M. ordained pastor of the first Church 
of Christ in Fairfield, Feb. 7th, 1732. In which station he served God and his gene- 
ration with Fidelity, and Usefulness, until December 6th, 1773, when he was taken 
from the approaching troubles to receive the Mercy of God thro' Christ. " Remem- 
ber them who have spoken unto you the word of God, whose Faith follow." 

Gold Selleck Silliman, Attorney at Law, Justice of the Peace, and during the 
late War, Colonel of Horse, and Brigadier General of Militia ; died July 21st, 1790, 

46 



362 DANBURT. 

aged 58 years. Having discharged these and other public offices with reputation and 
dignity, and in private life shone the affectionate Husband, tender Parent, exemplary 
Christian, and Man of fervent Piety. 

In the Episcopal Church, Mill Plain, Fairfield, within the altar, and 
immediately fronting the desk, on a beautiful marble tablet, is the fol- 
lowing inscription. 

Under the Altar at which he served more than forty years, are the remains of the 
Rev. Philo Shelton, A. M. rector of Trinity Church, Fairfield. Born at Huntington, 
Mr, 5lh, 1751. Graduated at Yale College, Sept. 9th, 1778: Admitted Aug. 3d, 
ITS."), to the Holy order of Deacons, by the Right Reverend Samuel Seabury, D. D. 
( first American Bishop) and Sept. 18th, 1785, by the same prelate, to the Holy order of 
Priests, being the first Clergyman Episcopally ordained in the United States. Died 
February 27th, 18'25. 



DANBURY 



The original Indian name of Danbury was Pahfjuinque. The first 
settlement in the town was begun in the summer of 1684. The set- 
tlers came that year and begun some improvements in buildings, sowing 
grain, &c. Some of the families continued through the winter, others 
did not move till the spring following. It may therefore be said that 
the first permanent settlement was made in the spring of the year 1685, 
by eight families.* The names of the men were Thomas Taylor, Fran- 
cis Bushnel, Thomas Barnum, John Hoyt, James Benedict, Samuel 
Benedict, James Beebe, and Judah Gregory. They settled near to- 
gether, at the south end of the town street. They all came from Nor- 
walk, except James Beebe, who was from Stratford : one of the first 
settlers after the first eight families, was Dr. Samuel Wood, an able 
physician, born and educated in England ; Josiah Starr from Long Island, 
Joseph Mygatt from Hartford, and the families of Picket, Knapp, and 
Wildman, were all ancient settlers of the town. The town was survey- 
ed in February, 1693, by John Piatt and Samuel Hayes, of Norwalk : 
the survey bill declares the length to be 8 miles from north to south, 
and the breadth 6. The lands were purchased of the Indian proprietors. 

" The time when a church was first organized in town, cannot be exactly determin- 
ed ; it was probably at the ordination of the first minister. The first minister in this 
town was the Rev. Seth Shove, a very pious and worthy man, who was very success- 
ful in his exertions for the promotion of peace, virtue and true religion: so that the 
general peace and union in his time, are proverbial to this day. He was ordained in 
the year 1696, and died October 3d, 1735, aged 68. The town was destitute of a settled 
minister but a short time. In a few months the church and people in great harmony 
invited Mr. Ebenezer White to settle with them in the ministry. He was accordingly 
ordained, March 10th, 1736. Universal harmony prevailed between the people and 
their minister, for more than 25 years. The people of this town were considered by 
all the neighboring towns, as eminent for morality and religion, for regularity of con- 
duct, and for constant attendance on the institutions of Christianity. It is supposed on 
good grounds, that the first meeting house was built prior to Mr. Shove's ordination ; 
its dimensions were about 40 feet in length and 30 in breadth. It is remarkable, that 
after the frame was raised, every person that belonged to the town was present, and set 
on the sills at once. The second meeting house was built about the year 1719 ; its di- 
mensions were 50 feet in length and 35 in breadth. In 1715, an addition of 15 feet was 
made to the whole front of the house. About the year 1762, religious controversy be- 
gan in this town, and was carried to a great extent for many years. It is presumed, 

* Robbins' Century Sermon, 1801. 



D AN B U R Y. 



363 



that in no town in the state, has there been more religious contention than in this. It 
is hoped the flame is now mostly buried, never to break forth again. At the time 
above mentioned, Mr. White, havin? altered his sentiments and preaching, in several 
particulars, some uneasiness arose among his people. The efforts of several ecclesi- 
astical councils to heal the division proving ineffectual, it finally issued in the dismis- 
sion of Mr. White from his pastoral charge, March, 1704. A major part of the mem- 
bers of Mr. White's church, joined with him in denying the jurisdiction of ecclesiasti- 
cal councils, and renouncing the form of church government established by the 
churches in this state. The remaining part, who signified their adherence to the ec- 
clesiastical government, were established and acknowledged by the two consociations 
of Fairfield county, convened in council, as the first church in Danbnry. Soon after 
this, Mr. White and his adherents separated from the church and society, and formed 
a separate church: they were generally denominated ' Mr. White's adherents.' In 
October, 1770, a number of the inhabitants of the town, individually named in the act, 
principally those who composed this separate church, were incorporated a society by 
name of ' New Danbury.' Prior to this, they built a good meeting house, its dimen- 
sions about 50 feet by 40, in the year 1768, which was consumed in the general confla- 
gration of the town. In the same year, Mr. Ebenezer Russel White was ordained a 
colleague with his father, over that church." — Robbins' Century Sermon. 




Southeastern view of the Borough of Danbury. 



Danbury is bounded n. by New Fairfield, e. by Brookfield and New- 
town, w. by Ridgefield, and s. by Reading. Its length is about 8£ 
miles, and its breadth more than 6. It has a fertile soil, pleasantly di- 
versified with hills and valleys, and some moderate ridges, running in 
a northerly and southerly direction. By an act of the General Assembly 
in May, 1784, this town was made a half-shire of the county of Fair- 
field. From that time to the present, the courts have set alternately 
in Fairfield and Danbury. 

The above shows the appearance of the borough of Danbury, as it is 
seen from the south, upon the Norwalk road. The main street, on 
which the borough is principally built, is one mile and a quarter in ex- 
tent, thickly settled on both sides for that distance. The village is situ- 
ated in a narrow but pleasant valley: a gentle eminence rises immediately 
westward of the main street, called Deer hill; a much smaller one rises 
eastward, called the Town hill. The village contains six houses of wor- 
ship ; 1 Congregational, 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist, 1 Univer- 



364 



DANBURY. 



salist, and 1 Sandemanian. The Baptist church is seen in the engra- 
ving on the extreme left, situated on Deer Hill. The Episcopal church 
is at the south end of the village, and is one of the most prominent build- 
ings in the view. This building is one of the oldest in the town ; it was 
built in 1763, and is one of the few which escaped the general confla- 
gration by the British troops in 1777. The next spire seen eastward of 
this, is that of the Universalist church, near which is seen that of the 
court house : the Congregational church is seen in the distance, on the 
extreme right. The village is 22 miles north from Norwalk, 36 from 
New Haven, 36 from Litchfield, 55 from Hartford, 65 n. e. from the 
city of New York, and 5 miles from the New York state line. The 
borough contains nearly 200 dwelling houses, besides numerous other 
buildings ; 9 mercantile stores, 1 printing office, an academy, he. In 
the first society of Danbury, there are 24 hatting shops or factories. 
Two hundred and eighty nine persons are employed, who manufacture 
134,000 hats annually, the estimated value of which is £402,000. 




South view of the central part of the Borough of Danbury. 

It is in contemplation to construct a rail road to Norwalk, or some 
other place in that vicinity ; the route is quite feasible, and it is believed 
will add much to the prosperity of Danbury. 

The above is a southern view of the central part of the borough of 
Danbury, as seen from Deer hill, the elevated ground which rises im- 
mediately westward of the street. The building a little to the left of 
the central part of the engraving, having the most elevated spire, is the 
Universalist church, the first building to the left of which is the Acad- 
emy. The jail is the first building to the right of the church, back of 
which is seen the ancient burying ground of Danbury, in which are the 
graves of Gen. Wooster and Mr. Sandeman. The court house is seen 
on the opposite side of the street, with a cupola; back of the court 
house is seen a gentle elevation, called Town hill. 

In the latter part of the year 1776, the commissioners of the Ameri- 
can army chose Danbury for a place of deposit for military stores. A 
large quantity having been collected, Gov. Tryon, with a detachment 



DANBURY. 365 

of 2,000 men from New York, sailed to Compo Point in Fairfield, and 
proceeded directly to Danbury, to destroy the continental stores. There 
were in. the town a small number of continental troops, but without arms; 
they with the inhabitants generally withdrew from the town as the en- 
emy approached. The enemy entered the town on Saturday the 26th 
of April, 1777, at about three o'clock in the afternoon. They soon 
began those cruelties and excesses which characterize an unprincipled 
and exasperated enemy, upon the inhabitants who remained in the town, 
excepting the persons and property of the tories. The enemy, fearful 
that their retreat might be cut off, rallied early in the morning of the 
27th, set fire to several stores and buildings, and immediately marched 
out of town. " Nineteen dwelling houses, the meeting house of the 
New Danbury society, and twenty two stores and barns, with all their 
contents were consumed. The quantity of continental stores which 
were consumed, cannot now be accurately ascertained : accounts vary 
considerably. From the best information which can be obtained, there 
were about 3,000 barrels of pork, more than 1,000 barrels of Hour, 
several hundred barrels of beef, 1,600 tents, 2,000 bushels of grain, 
besides many other valuable articles, such as rum, wine, rice, army car- 
riages, fee."* 

The following is an account of the private losses sustained by indi- 
viduals in the town of Danbury, in consequence of the enemy's incur- 
sion in that place ; according to an estimate made thereof by a com- 
mittee appointed to apprize the same ; with the names of those who 
were principal losers. 

Mr. John McLean, 

Capt. Ezra Starr, 

Capt. Daniel Taylor, 

Col. Joseph P. Cook, . 

Major Eli Maggatt, 

("apt. James Clark, 

Major Taylor, 

Comfort Hoyt, Jun. 

Thaddens' Benedict, Esq. 

David Wood, 

Which with a number of smaller losses ascertained by said committee, amount in 
the whole to £15,662, 9s. Id. lawful money, lost by individuals in consequence of that 
town being made the repository of public stores. There is therefore the greatest rea- 
son that the public should not only grant speedy relief to the sufferers, (many of wh*om 
are reduced to extreme want,) but also that they should have the public, faith pledged 
lor the amount of those losses; which were estimated not according to the exorbitant 
prices at the present time, but in most instances as the articles cost before this war 
commenced. 

Col. Cook appears to have been in the command at Danbury, at the 
time it was burnt. Receiving some notice of the landing or approach 
of the enemy, he immediately dispatched a messenger by the name of 
Lambert Lockwood, with a letter to Gen. Silliman, informing him that 
there was no ammunition in the place, and requesting orders. The 
messenger, before he was aware of it, came up with the British troops 
in the vicinity of Reading church, about 8 miles below Danbury ; he 
attempted to flee, but was fired upon, wounded, and taken prisoner. 

* Robbins' Century Sermon. 



£. 


s. d. 




£. 


s. d. 


2492 


10 7 


Joseph Wildman, 


417 


8 4 


2296 





Dr. John Wood, . 


394 


3 4 


984 


2 


Mathew Benedict, Jun. 


33 1 


11 


953 


9 6 


Rev. Ebenezer White, . 


327 


11 


116 


2 2 


Jonah Benedict, 


309 


9 8 


822 


16 6 


Mathew Benedict, 


265 


4 8 


700 


16 2 


Jabez Rockwell, . 


237 


16 2 


651 


15 I 


Zadock Benedict, 


169 


17 


521 


19 6 


Benjamin Sperry, 


169 


16 3 


433 


1 









366 DANBURY. 

Try on, it appears, had, a few years previous, broke down his carriage 
while passing through JNorwalk. Mr. Lockwood, being then a clerk in 
a store in that place, rendered Tryon some assistance, and being recog- 
nized by him, on account of his services on that occasion, Tryon, on his 
leaving Danbury, intended to give him a furlough ; while he was wri- 
ting it, one of Tryon's officers came in, exclaiming, " the d — d rebels 
are upon us. we must be off;" Tryon threw down his pen, and left his 
prisoner to take care of himself. 

As the British were entering Danbury, a Mr. Hamilton, who had a 
roll of cloth in some building near the Episcopal church, was deter- 
mined at much hazard to secure it ; he accordingly went to the place 
where it was, took it, and being on horseback rode off. The enemy's 
light horsemen followed hard after, exclaiming, we'll have you, old 
daddy ! we'll have you ! Not yet ! replied the old gentleman. The 
light horsemen rode up and endeavored to cut him clown, but the old 
gentleman's cloth began to unroll and fly out behind ; this so frightened 
their horses, that they could not get within striking distance ; they how- 
ever chased him through nearly the whole extent of the street. Mr. 
Hamilton turning a short corner near the north end of the street, the 
horsemen gave up the pursuit. Three or four men in or near Capt. 
Starr's house, which was situated on the west side of the street, about 
40 rods above the present court house, had the temerity to fire upon 
the enemy; the light horsemen rode up and cut them down, threw 
their bodies into the house, and set it on fire. The present Episcopal 
church was filled up to the galleries with barrels of pork and flour; 
these were rolled out into the street by the enemy and burnt. It is said 
that it was over one's shoes in the street near by, with pork fat, after 
the conflagration. 

The following account of the expedition of the British to Danbury, &c. 
in April, 1777, is from the Connecticut Journal. 

" On Friday, the 25th instant, twenty six sail of the enemy's ships appeared offNor- 
walk Islands, standing in for Cedar Point, wheret hey anchored at 4 o'clock, P.M. 
and soon began landing troops; by 10 o'clock they had landed two brigades, consisting 
of upwards of two thousand men, and marched immediately for Danbury, where they 
arrived the next day at 2 o'clock, P. M. 

" The handful of continental troops there were obliged to evacuate the town, hav- 
ing previously secured a part of the stores, provisions, &c. The enemy on their arri- 
val began burning and destroying the stores, houses, provisions, &c. 

" On the appearance of the enemy, the country was alarmed. Early the next morn- 
ing, Brigadier General Silliman, with about five hundred militia, (all that were col- 
lected,) pursued the enemy; at Reading, he was joined by Major General Wooster, 
and Brigadier General Arnold. The heavy rain all the afternoon, retarded the inarch 
of our troops so much that they did not reach Bethel, (a village two miles from Dan- 
bury,) till 11 o'clock at night, much fatigued, and their arms rendered useless by being 
wet. It was thought prudent to refresh the men, and attack the enemy on their return. 
Early the next morning, (which proved rainy,) the whole were in motion, two hun- 
dred men remained with Gen. Wooster, and about four hundred were detached under 
General Arnold and General Silliman, on the road leading toNorwalk. At 9 o'clock, 
A.M. intelligence w-as received that the enemy had taken the road leading to Nor- 
walk, of winch General Wooster was advised, and pursued them, with whom he 
came up about 11 o'clock, when a smart skirmishing ensued, in which General Woos- 
ter, who behaved with great intrepidity, unfortunately received a wound by a musket 
ball, thro' the groin, which it is feared will prove mortal. Gen. Arnold, by a forced 
march across the country, reached Ridgeheld at 11 o'clock, and having posted his 



DANBDRY. 367 

small party, (being joined by about 100 men,) of 500 men, waited the approach of the 
enemy, who were soon discovered advancing in a column with three field pieces in 
front, and three in rear, and large flank guards of near two hundred men in each. 
At noon they began discharging their artillery, and were soon within musket shot, 
when a smart action ensued between the whole, which continued about an hour, in 
which our men behaved with great spirit, but being overpowered by numbers, were 
obliged to give way, though not until the enemy were raising a small breastwork, 
thrown across the way, at which Gen. Arnold had taken post with about 200 men, 
(the rest of our small body were posted on the flanks,) who acted with great spirit ; 
the general had his horse shot under him, when the enemy were within about ten yards 
of him, but luckily received no hurt; recovering himself, he drew his pistol and shot 
the soldier, who was advancing with his fixed bayonet. He then ordered his troops 
to retreat through a shower of small and grape shot. In the action the enemy suffered 
very considerably, leaving about thirty dead and wounded on the ground, beside a 
number unknown buried. Here we had the misfortune of losing Lieut. Col. Gold, 
one subaltern, and several privates killed and wounded. It was found impossible to 
rally our troops, and Gen. Arnold ordered a stand to be made at Saugatuck bridge, 
where it was expected the enemy would pass. 

" At 9 o'clock A. M. the 28th, about 500 men were collected at Saugatuck bridge, 
including part of the companies of Col. Lamb's battalion of artillery, with three field 
pieces, under command of Lieut. Col. Oswald, a field piece with part of the artillery 
company from Fairfield, sixty continental troops, and three companies of volunteers 
from New Haven, with whom Generals Arnold and Silliman took post about two miles 
above the bridge. Soon after the enemy appeared in sight, their rear was attacked 
by Col. Huntington (commanding a party of about 500 men,) who sent to Gen. Arnold 
for instructions, and for some officers to assist him. Gen. Silliman was ordered to 
his assistance; the enemy finding our troops advantageously posted made a halt, and 
after some little time, wheeled off to the left and forded Saugatuck river, three miles 
above the bridge. Gen. Arnold observing this motion, ordered the whole to march 
directly for the bridge, in order to attack the enemy in the flank, Gen.' Silliman at 
the same time to attack their rear: the enemy, by running full speed, had passed the 
bridge on Fairfield side with their main body, before our troops could cross it. Gen. 
Silliman finding it impossible to overtake the enemy on their route, proceeded to the 
bridge, where the whole were formed; they marched in two columns, with two field 
pieces on the right, the other on the left of the enemy, when a smart skirmishing, and 
firing of field pieces ensued, which continued about three hours. The enemy having 
gained the high hill of Compo, several attempts were made to dislodge them, but 
without effect. The enemy landed a number of fresh troops to cover their embarka- 
tion, which they effected a little before sunset, weighed anchor immediately, and stood 
across the Sound, for Huntington on Long Island. Our loss cannot be exactly ascer- 
tained, no return being made. It is judged to be about sixty killed and wounded. 
Among the killed are 1 Lieut. Colonel, 1 Captain, 4 Subalterns, and Doct. David At- 
water, of this town, whose death is greatly lamented by his acquaintance. Among 
the number wounded, are Col. John Lamb, (of artillery,) Arnah Bradley and Timo- 
thy Gorham, volunteers from New Haven, though not mortally. 

" The enemy's loss is judged to be more than double our number, and about 20 pri- 
soners. The enemy on this occasion behaved with their usual barbarity, wantonly 
and cruelly murdering the wounded prisoners who fell into their hands, and plunder- 
ing the inhabitants, burning and destroying every thing in their way. The enemy, 
the day before they left Fairfield, were joined by ten sail, chiefly small vessels.'.' 



During the Revolution, a hospital for the American army was kept 
for some time at Danbury. Two buildings, each about 60 feet in length, 
were built for that purpose; they were situated about three fourths of 
a mile northwest from the court house, on land now owned by Samuel 
Wildman, Esq. Mr. Wildman lived in Danbury at the time it was 
burnt, and from him many of the foregoing particulars are derived. 
Many of the sick were brought from White Plains ; about 200 soldiers 
were buried near the hospital. A large proportion of the sick were 
soldiers from the south, who were not used to the rigors of a northern 
climate. 

"In 1775, a dysentery raged in all parts of the town. The number 
of deaths in the town, during the year, was about 130, of which 82 



3GS 



DANBl'RY. 



were in the limits of the first society. Says Mr. Baldwin, in his 
Thanksgiving sermon of that year, 'no less than 62 have been swept 
away from within the limits of the society in less than eleven weeks, 
the summer past; and not far from 50 in other parts of the town. 
Much the greater part of this number were children.' A remarkable 
fact occurred that year. A military company of about 100 men was 
raised in the town, and ordered to the northern army on Lake Cham- 
plain. When they went, it was viewed by their friends as next to a 
final departure. At the conclusion of the campaign, they all returned 
safely, and found that great numbers of their friends had sunk in death. 
The disorder had subsided before their return." 




Sandemanian Church, Danbury. 

The above is a north view of the Sandemanian church, situated near 
the northern part of the village of Danbury. It is a small, unostenta- 
tious building, placed a little back of the other buildings on the main 
street, and very much resembles a common school house. It is be- 
lieved to be the only house of worship now used by that denomination 
in this country. 

In 1764, Mr. Robert Sandeman, a native of Perth, in Scotland, a 
man of learning, and superior abilities, who had some correspondence 
with Mr. White, and some other ministers in this country, came from his 
native land, landed at Boston, and came to Danbury near the close of 
the year. After tarrying several weeks, he returned to Boston, where 
he soon organized a church. He returned to Danbury and gathered a 
church, in July, 1763. " The principal doctrines which he taught were 
similar to those of Calvin and Athanasius, which have been received 
in all ages of the Christian church. His distinguishing tenet was, that 
faith is a mere intellectual belief: his favorite expression was, ( a bare 
belief of the bare truth.' He maintained that his church was the only 
true church, then arisen from the ruins of Antichrist, his reign being 
near a close. The use of means, for mankind in a natural state, he 



DANBURV. 369 

pretty much exploded." Mr. Sandeman died in 1771. The next year 
his church moved to New Haven. There it appears they were in a 
flourishing condition for three or four years. The house in which they 
assembled for worship is still standing in Gregson street. When the 
Revolutionary war broke out, the Sandemanians, who were royalists, 
became objects of suspicion. They were brought before the civil au- 
thority on several occasions, and at one time were imprisoned. These 
proceedings had the effect to break up their church in this place; nearly, 
if not quite all their people moved away. " In July, 1774, several 
persons who had been members of that church, together with a number 
who belonged to the society at New Danbury, united and formed a new 
Sandemanian church. That continued and increased for many years, 
till March, 1798, when they divided into two churches." 

The following is from a recent account given of the Sandemanians in 
this place. "They meet on the Sabbath, and the Thursday afternoon 
of each week, to exhort and to explain the sacred word. Their church 
is provided with a large circular table, which occupies nearly half of 
the area of the building, at which the several members seat themselves, 
each one provided with a copy of the scriptures, and as they individ- 
ually feel disposed, they read and comment thereon, the females ex- 
cepted. They appear to worship by themselves, the congregation not 
partaking therein, being but indifferent spectators of the proceedings. 
They also add to their former exercises prayer and singing; and after 
which, they assemble at one or the other of the brothers' or sisters' 

houses, where they partake of a feast There are probably, 

at present, about twenty primitive followers, of strict morals and chaste 
deportment, even to a proverb. It appears that none have joined them 
latterly. This sect, like most others, have had divisions among them, 
one party of which now go by the name of the Osbornites, from Mr. 
Levi Osborn, their present teacher. These are very few in number, re- 
duced by deaths, and from the circumstance of none uniting with them. 
The other party go by the name of Baptist Sandamanians, from their 
belief in and practice of baptism. The Osbornites appear to have been 
the most numerous of the two classes, having had formerly a consider- 
able number of members, consisting of some respectable people of in- 
fluence." There are said to be but about 400 persons of this denomi- 
nation in the world, 40 of whom are in the United States. Those of 
this belief in Great Britain, are known by the name of Glassites. 

The following is copied from the monument of Mr. Sandeman, in the 
burying ground opposite the court house. 

Here lies, until the resurrection, the body of Robert Sandeman, a native of Perth, 
North Britain, Who in the face of continual opposition from all sorts of men long 
boldly contended for the ancient Faith, that the bare work of Jesus Christ, without a 
deed or thought on the part of man. is sufficient to present the chief of sinners spotless 
before God." To declare this blessed Truth, as testified in the Holy Scriptures, He 
left his country, he left his Friends, and alter much patient suffering, finished his la- 
bors at Danbury, April 2, 1771, M. 53 years. 



Deign'd Christ to come so nigh to us, 

As not to count it shame, 
To call us Brethren, should we blush 

At aught that bears his name 1 



Nay, let us boast in his reproach, 

And glory in his Cross; 
When he appears one smile from him ; 

Would far o'erpay our loss. 

47 



370 



DANBURY 



Major General Wooster, who was mortally wounded at Ridgefield, 
in an action with the enemy after they had left Danbury, was brought 
to Danbury, where he expired. He was buried, it is stated, at the 
distance of twenty feet, in a northeast course, from the grave of Mr. 
Sandeman. 

The following inscription is from the monument, in this yard, of Mr. 
Shove, the first minister in Danbury. 

Here Ives buried ye body of ye Revd. Mr. Seth Shove, ye Pious and Faithful Pastor 
of ye Church in Danbury 39 years, who died Oct. 3dj Anno Domini 1735, iEtatis 
suae 68. 




Congregational Church in Bethel, Danbury. 

The flourishing village of Bethel, in the town of Danbury, is situated 
about three miles southeast from Danbury. The view shows the ap- 
pearance of the Congregational church, and some other buildings in 
the vicinity. This church was erected in 1760, being the first meeting 
house erected here ; the Rev. Noah Wetmore was the first minister ; he 
was regularly dismissed from his pastoral charge in 1784. 

Bethel was incorporated as a society in October, 1759. There are 
at this time, (1835,) about fifty dwelling houses in the village ; the lead- 
ing branches of manufacturing business, at present, are hat and comb 
making. An Episcopal church, about fifty rods s. \v. of the Congre- 
gational church, has been erected the present year, besides many other 
buildings. There are in Bethel, 15 hatting shops or factories, which 
employ, (including females,) 200 persons ; they manufacture about 
125,000 hats annually, which are valued, at wholesale prices, at about 
$200,000. There are about 12 principal comb manufacturers, who 
employ about 180 persons in the business. The " Hatter's circular 
Dye Kettle and Wheel," was invented in Danbury in 1823, by Mr. 
Joel Taylor. It is a most important invention for hatters, and has come 
into general use both in this country and Europe. 



BRIDGEPORT. 



371 



The British troops, in their expedition to Danbury, passed through 
this village ; the following incident is said to have occurred here at that 
time. As the British were descending the hill, a short distance from 
the village, on the old Reading road, one of the inhabitants of the town, 
Mr. Luther Holcomb, rode his horse up to the summit of an eminence 
in front of the enemy. Although entirely alone, Mr. Holcomb, (judging 
from the words he used,) evidently intended to make an impression. 
Waving his hat or sword, and turning his face as though he was ad- 
dressing an army behind him, he exclaimed in a voice of thunder, 
"Halt the whole Universe! break off by kingdoms!" This, it must 
be confessed, was a formidable force to encounter. The British army 
came to a halt, their cannon were brought forward and made to bear 
upon their supposed opponents, and flanking parties sent out to make 
discoveries. Mr. Holcomb. on the point of being surrounded, and deem- 
ing " discretion the better part of valor," thought it advisable to make 
good his retreat in a rapid manner towards Danbury. 



BRIDGEPORT. 




East view of Bridgeport, (1834.) 

Bridgeport was incorporated as a town in 1821. It was formerly 
that part of the parish of Stratfield lying in the town of Stratford. It 
is of a triangular shape, averaging 4 miles in length from north to south, 
and over two miles in breadth, containing perhaps about ten square 
miles. It is bounded n. by Trumbull, e. by Stratford, s. by the wa- 
ters of Long Island sound, and w. by Fairfield. The township is gen- 
erally level, and has a strong and fertile soil. 



372 



BRIDGEPORT 



A PLAN OF MAIN STREET, BRIDGEPORT, SHOWING THE BUILDINGS AND OCCUPANT.- 

IN I -J I. 



Widow Lucy Hawley. 



Samuel Hawley, Jr. Hatter. -fl 
David Sterling, Merchant. —J 
GOLDEN HILL STREET. 



Ziba Northrop, Joiner...^ 

William Deforest, Merchant. ■— | 

BEAVER - 

Smith Tweedy, Hatter.ZZ 

Thaddeus Huhbell, Sea Capta.in.~- 

Lemuel Coleman, Saddler. — 

Richard Atwell, Comb Maker, and £ 

Ephraim Middlebrooks, Joiner. ^ 

Samuel Burr, Merchant 

JOHN STREE T. — 

Isaac Burroughs, Merchant. 

Rev. Henry R. Judah, Episcopal Minister. 

BANK 

Monson Hinman, Sea Captain. 

L. C. Segee, Tavern keeper. 

STATE 

Andrew Curtiss' Carriage Maker Shop. 



-Isaac Sherman, Merchant. 
"GOLD STREET. 

Nathaniel Wade, Merchant. 

Samuel Porter, Farmer. 

Robert Gregory. Saddle-Tree iMaker. 
•-N. L. Skinner, Publisher of the Courier. 
■ Henry Coty, Hatter, and Joseph P. Sturges, 
Joiner. 

..Levi Lyon, Merchant. 
-Charles L. Nichols, Merchant. 
--Reuben Tweedy, Hatter. 

"street. 

• -Thomas Gouge, Hatter. 
—Joseph Clark, Cooper. 
....Stephen Hull, Blacksmith. 
"WALL STREET. 
— Mrs. Hubbell. 
....Mis. Wbolsey. 



Jesse Sterling, Merchant. 

GILBERT STREET." 

David B. Nichols, Merchant. 

Ira Sherman .. 

George Hawley, Merchant. . 

Richard Hyde, Merchant., 

Abijah Hawley, Sea Captain. . 



Jftbez Norman, Sail Maker.., 
Baker's 



..Bridgeport Bank. 

STREET. 

Miss I,. Shepherd and Dr. Holman. 

Post Office and Dry Good Stores. 

STREET. 

Stephen Hawley, Merchant. 



UNION STREET. 



I — Nichols Northrup, Joiner. 
"THOMAS STREET. 

I— Josiah B. Hall, Merchant. 




ALLEN'S LANE. 

B— Francis P. Allen, Mariner. 



Talhnan Perry. 
Burr Perry. 



The above plan was taken from a map of Bridgeport, surveyed by 
Mr. H. L. Barnum, and published in 1824. It is now accompanied 
by some additions and corrections by Isaac Sherman, Esq. the present 
town clerk of Bridgeport. 

The city of Bridgeport was incorporated in 1836. It is mostly built 
on the west side of an arm of the sea, 17 miles s.w. from New Haven, 
62 miles from New York, and 4 from Fairfield. The harbor extends 
about three miles inland to the head of tide water, where it meets Pe- 
quanock river, a considerable mill stream. The average width of the 
harbor, at high water, is eighty rods. At low water most of it is bare, 
leaving a channel about a dozen rods wide ; common tides rise seven 
feet, spring tides nine. The depth of water on the bar, at high water, 
is about thirteen feet ; within the bar the water is much deeper, having 
a muddy bottom. The bridge across the harbor is about one mile and 



BRIDGEPORT. 



373 



a half from its mouth, seventy five rods in length, built on trestles, with 
a draw for vessels to proceed above. The surface on which the town 
is principally built, is a plain about 12 feet above high water mark. 
There is however a rise called Golden hill/* commencing about 100 
rods northwest of the center of the present buildings, which, after a 
gradual ascent of about 20 rods, in which the perpendicular elevation is 
50 feet, presents a surface of half a mile square, forrning a delightful 
situation for an upper town : from this elevation -is a fine prospect of the 
Sound and surrounding scdnery. Though situated within three miles 
of Stratford, and four of Fairfield, both among the earliest settlements 
in the state, at the close of the Revolutionary war there were but 10 
or 12 bouses on the site where Bridgeport is now built. In 1790, 
there were but 110 inhabitants ; in 1830, there were upwards of 1,800 
in the borough. The number of inhabitants at this time, (1837,) in 
the city, is 3,416. 




South view of the Churches in Bridgeport. 

The original name of the village, (now city,) was Newfield, which 
in 1800 was incorporated as a borough, and called Bridgeport. There 
are five churches in the limits of the city; 1 Episcopal, erected in 1801, 
now (1837) used by the Baptists ; 2 Congregational — the first Congre- 
gational church was erected in 1803, by the society formerly worship- 
ing in Stratfield, the other in 1830; the Methodist church, erected in 
1822; and the present Episcopal church, now building. The ancient 
meeting house of the parish of Stratfield stood about one mile and a half 
northwest of the central part of the city, on the line road between Fair- 
field and Bridgeport ; it was taken down a year or two since. 

The above is a representation of the churches in this place, all stand-, 
ing in a direct line. The nearest building in the view, which is seen on 

* This hill is partly a rocky eminence. In the stone is found ising-glass of a gold 
color, hence the name Golden hill. A numerous tribe of Indians formerly lived on 
this hill, and were called " the Golden hill tribe." Their skeletons are frequently 
dug up on the banks of the Pequonnoc river. 



374 BRIDGEPORT. 

the right, is the second Congregational church ; the next north is the 
Baptist, (formerly the Episcopal church ;) the next building is the first 
Congregational church ; the new Episcopal church is the next ; the 
Methodist church is seen in the distance on the right, and is without a 
spire : Golden hill rises immediately beyond this building. 

The first newspaper printed in the village was in 1795, and edited 
by Lazarus Beach. The first bridge was erected across the harbor in 
1783. There are two banks in this place, the Bridgeport and Connec- 
ticut banks, the former incorporated in 1806, the latter in 1831. The 
number of inhabitants within the limits of the town, at this time, is es- 
timated at upwards of four thousand. A daily line of steamboats, to ply 
between Bridgeport and New York, was established in July, 1834. 

Among the principal articles manufactured in this place, are saddlery 
and carriages. The whale fishery, of late, has received considerable 
attention. Bridgeport, at this time, is rapidly increasing in wealth and 
population. A charter was granted in 1836 for a rail road, called the 
" Housatonic Rail Road," following the valley of the Housatonic, about 
eighty five miles, to West Stockbridge, Mass. 



From the Connecticut Journal, Dec. 15, 1779. 
On the 4th alt. about 25 volunteers, under the command of Captains Lockwood, 
Hawley, Jones, and Lieutenants Jackson and Bishop, set off from Newfield harbor 
on an expedition to Long Island, to fetch off Thomas Jones, Esq., one of the judges of 
their Supreme Court, and a warm Loyalist ; they crossed the Sound that evening, ar- 
rived at Stony Brook near Smith Town, and then marched to Fort Nick, (said Jones' 
place of residence,) where they arrived the 6th, about 9 o'clock in the evening, being 
52 miles, and after surprising the house, took said Jones prisoner ; in consequence of 
which an alarm arose ; which obliged our men to retreat, traveling 50 miles the same 
night, and secreting themselves the next day ; (by which time the enemy's light horse 
were near,) the following evening they retreated to their boats, having taken two pris- 
oners more, crossed the Sound and arrived safe at Black Rock, in Fairfield, on the 
8th ; except six men, who being in the rear, were taken by the light horse. 

The object of the above expedition appears to have been the capture 
of some person of sufficient rank to exchange for Gen. Silliman, who 
was captured by the enemy a short time previous. The following is 
from the 3d vol. of Dwight's Travels. 

In 1779, Major General Silliman was appointed by the governor and council of 
safety, superintendant of the coast of the county of Fairfield. In the month of May, 
Sir Henry Clinton directed a small company of refugees to cross the Sound in a whale 
boat from Lloyd's Neck, and if possible to take him a prisoner. One of them was an 
inhabitant of Newtown named Glover, a carpenter; who had been employed by General 
Silliman not long before; and having been some time at the house was perfectly ac- 
quainted with the safest and easiest modes of access to it. The crew consisted of nine. 
One was left in the boat. Eight came to the house about midnight. The family were 
awakened by a violent assault upon the door. General Silliman sprang out of bed, 
seized a musket, and ran to the door. As he passed by the window he saw the men, 
and at once comprehended their design. He then attempted to fire his musket ; but it 
only flashed. At that instant the assailants broke through the window and laid their 
hands upon him, exclaiming that he was their prisoner, and that he must go with 
them. At his request they permitted him to dress himself, and having plundered him. 
of a fusee, a pair of pistolsja sword and some other articles of no great value, proceed- 
ed with expedition to the shore. They reached it about two o'clock, and immediately 
embarked for Long Island. . As they approached the shore of Lloyd's Neck, Colonel 
Simcoe, the commanding officer, who was waiting for them exclaimed, ' Have you got 
him,' They answered Yes, ' Have you lost any men,' No, ' That is well, your Siilimans 
are not worth a man, nor your Washingtons.' General Silliman's eldest son was taken 
with him. The prisoners were ordered to the guard-house. The General asked the 



BROOKFIELD'. 875 

Adjutant whether this was the manner they treated prisoners of his rank. The Ad- 
jutant replied, ' We do not consider you in the same light as we should a continental 
General.' How, said General Silliman, will you view me when an exchange shall be 
proposed ! ' I understand you,' said the'Adjutant, and withdrew. These questions 
probably preserved General Silliman from the indignity of being confine'd in a guard- 
house. Soon after, he and his son were conducted in a carnage to New York, under 
an escort of Dragoons. On his arrival a numerous body of people gathered to see 
him. A gentleman who was a friend to him, advised him to withdraw lest he should 
be insulted, and very kindly conducted him to good lodgings. Here he remained for 
some time and was at length ordered to Flatbush. 

At that time there was no prisoner in the possession of the Americans, whom the 
British would accept in exchange for General Silliman ; and after some consideration, 
it was determined to procure one. The person pitched upon was the Hon. Mr. Jones, 
one of the justices of the Supreme Court of the province of New York. Capt. Daniel 
Havvley of Newfield (now Bridgeport,) undertook to accomplish the design. Havin'g 
selected a proper crew, he proceeded in a whale boat to Long Island, and having land- 
ed his men, concealed his boat in some bushes near the shore. Of the place where they 
landed I am ignorant; but it is said to have been at least fifty miles from the place of 
their destination. The house of Judge Jones stood, and probably now stands, on the 
north side of Hempstead plain, in a solitude rather pleasant, and certainly very favor- 
able to their enterprise. The Americans arrived about nine o'clock in the evening. 
There was a ball in the house, and the noise of music and dancing prevented the ap- 
proach of the adventurers from being heard. Captain Hawley knocked at the door, 
and perceiving that nobody heard him, forced it, and found Judge Jones standing in 
the entry. He instantly told him he was his prisoner, and immediately conducted 
him off, together with a young gentleman whose name was Hewlett. A guard of sol- 
diers were posted at a small distance/rom their road. When they came near the spot, 
Judge Jones hemmed very loud, and was forbidden by Captain Hawley to repeat the 
sound. He however did repeat it, but, being told by his conductor that another repe- 
tition would be followed by fatal consequences, he desisted. On their way they were 
obliged to lodge in a forest through the day. The third night they reached their boat, 
and proceeded immediately to Newfield. 

Mrs. Silliman, hearing of Judge Jones' arrival, sent him an invitation to breakfast. 
He came. During several days while he was at her house, she took all - the measures 
in her power to make his situation agreeable. Buf although few ladies could contrib- 
ute more effectually to such a purpose, the Judge was distant, reserved - and sullen. 
From this place he was ordered to Middletown. 

It was a long time before the British would consent to an exchange; but in the month 
of May, 1780, they agreed that if one Washburn, a refugee of a notoriously bad char- 
acter, could be included in the exchange as a kind of make-weight, they would release 
General Silliman for Judge Jones, and his son for Mr. Hewlett. The vessel which 
conveyed him met another, employed to transport General Silliman to his own house, 
on the Sound. The two gentlemen having dined together, proceeded immediately to 
the respective places of their destination. The General's return was welcomed with 
demonstrations of joy by all the surrounding country. 



BROOKFIELD. 



Brookfield was incorporated as a town in 1788 ; it was formed from 
parts of New Milford, Danbury and Newtown. It was formerly called 
the society of Newbury. The Rev. Thomas Brooks was the first 
minister in the place, and was ordained Sept. 28th, 1758, a church 
being gathered at the same time. Brookfield is said to have been 
named from the first minister. The town is bounded n. by New Mil- 
ford, n. e. by the Housatonic river, s. e. by Newtown, w. by Danbury 
and New Fairfield. The township is equivalent to about 17 square 
miles, containing about 11,000 acres. The surface is diversified with 
hills and valleys, and the soil is generally a dry, hard, gravelly loam, 
particularly upon the hills ; the lands generally are well adapted to a 
grain culture. In some sections of the town there is limestone, and 
several beds of marble. 



376 



D A 11 I E N 



B. A 

i Ms Mm 










-if ■hflgMBp^ 

- ".J B, ~-f~- ' 




Northern view of Brookfield, [centred yart.} 

The above is a representation of the central part of Brookfield. 
There are about 20 dwelling houses at this place ; 2 churches, 1 Con- 
gregational and 1 Episcopal, and a town house. The Congregational 
church is the first building on the right with a spire ; the Episcopal 
church is the next building seen eastward, with four windows on the 
north side. The town house is seen on the east side of the street, with 
a small spire. These buildings stand on elevated ground, on the sum- 
mit of a rocky ridge running north and south. About one mile and 
a half to the northwest there are iron works, and some other manufac- 
turing business is carried on, with a village about the size of the one at 
the town center. There has been lead discovered about 40 rods south 
of the Episcopal church. The central part of the town is about six 
miles n. e. from Danbury, and twenty four from Fairfield. 



DARIEN. 



This is a small township, formerly the parish of Middlesex, in the 
town of Stamford. It is bounded n. by New Canaan, e. by Norwalk, 
w. by Stamford, and s. by Long Island sound. It was incorporated as 
a town in 1820. The soil is generally a rich gravelly loam, fertile, and 
well adapted to tillage and grazing. 

The following is a representation of the Congregational church in Da- 
rien, 5 miles southwest of Norwalk. It stands a few rods to the left, as 
you pass the main road to Stamford: this church was erected in 1740. 
During the Revolutionary war, a considerable number of persons dis- 
affected to the American cause resided in this vicinity. On Sunday, 
the 22d day of July, 1781, a party of British troops, consisting chiefly 
of refugees, surrounded this church and took the congregation prisoners. 
The Rev. Moses Mather, D. D. was at this time pastor of the church, 



D A R I K N . 



377 




Southivestern view of the Congregational Church, Darien. 

a divine distinguished for his piety, learning, and most exemplary life, 
It was the intention of the refugees, or tories, to have taken the con- 
gregation prisoners during the morning services, hut some members of 
the congregation who were peculiarly obnoxious to them, not attending 
church in the forenoon, they kept concealed till the afternoon services 
commenced. While the congregation were singing the first time, the 
refugees, commanded by a Capt. Frost, sprung over the fence and sud- 
denly surrounded the house. Two or three young men, who happened 
to discover them in season, jumped out of the windows and effected 
their escape. Two guns were fired at them by the refugees, who did 
not think it prudent to fire any more, as the firing of three guns would 
have been the signal of alarm agreed upon by the inhabitants of this 
place, to give notice of any invasion of the enemy. The men of the 
congregation were taken out of the church, tied two and two, and Dr< 
Mather was placed at their head. The refugees then took about forty 
horses belonging to the congregation, mounted them, and marched their 
prisoners to the shore ; and thence conveyed them to Lloyd's Neck on 
Long Island. From this place they were soon after marched to New 
York, and confined in prison. 

Some of the congregation who were taken off, never returned ; these 
probably perished in prison, others were paroled, and some returned 
after having suffered severely by the small pox. A writer in one of 
the British publications of the day, in giving an account of this expedi- 
tion, made himself merry in describing the outcry which the women 
and children made at the time the men were taken prisoners, as though 
it were nothing to have husbands, fathers, and brothers, separated from 
them by an armed enemy, and taken off to a distant prison. The son 
of Dr. Mather was more fortunate than the rest ; as the refugees entered 
the church, he sprung under the seat, and the women sitting before him, 
their clothes hid him from observation. 

48 



378 



DARIEN. 



" Dr. Mather having been taken into New York, was confined in the 
Provost prison. Here his food was stinted, and wretched to a degree 
not easily imaginable. His lodging corresponded with his food. His 
company, to a considerable extent, was made up of mere rabble ; and 
their conversation, from which he could not retreat, composed of pro- 
faneness and ribaldry. Here also he was insulted daily by the provost 
marshal, whose name was Cunningham, a wretch, remembered in this 
country only with detestation. This wretch, with other kinds of abuse, 
took a particular satisfaction in announcing, from time to time, to Dr. 
Mather, that on that day, the morrow, or some other time at a little 
distance, he was to be executed." 

" But Dr. Mather was not without his friends ; friends, however, who 
knew nothing of him, except his character. A lady of distinction,* hav- 
ing learned his circumstances, and having obtained the necessary per- 
mission, sent to him clothes and food, and comforts, witli a very liberal 
hand." — Dr. Mather died Sept. 21st, 1800, venerated by all who knew 
him, in the 88th year of his age. He was educated at Yale College, 
of which he was a fellow thirteen years. 

From the Connecticut Journal, Sept. 9t/i, 1779. 
The Rev. Mr. Mather of Stamford, and two of his sons, are lately returned from 
captivity at New York. Mr. Mather was taken from his own house about five weeks 
since, with four of his sons, by a gang of eight tories, five of whom had been his pa- 
rishioners. The other two sons are nut exchanged. 



July 2G, 1781. 

Sunday last, in the afternoon, a party of the enemy surprised the congregation of 
the parish of Middlesex, between Norwalk and Stamford, while attending divine ser 
vice in the meeting house, and made prisoners of about forty, including the Rev. Mr. 
Mather, minister of the parish. The surprise was so complete that only 4 or 5 escaped, 
one of them a son of Mr. Mather, who was slightly wounded in the leg, as he was run- 
ning off. They were carried to the water side and put on board two armed vessels, 
which at that instant came to, supposed by previous appointment. The enemy also 
took awav a number of horses, with saddles, &c. A few of the inhabitants collected, 
who exchanged some shot with the enemy, and one or two were seen to fall, but wheth- 
er mortally wounded is not known : one prisoner was taken. 

The enemy's party consisted of about 40, who came over the night before from 
Lloyd's Neck, in seven boats, which they carried into a thick swamp near the meeting 
house, where they concealed themselves, until they rushed out and surprised the con- 
gregation as above. This is the second time that Mr. Mather has been a prisoner 
with the enemy. 



The following is extracted from a "Poetical Relation of the capture 
of the Congregation at Middlesex . . . with an Account of their suffer- 
ings, Sec. while in captivity, by Peter St. John." 



"Now to relate 'tis my intent, 

a sad and tragical event. 

On what 1 write you may rely 

As I've the history lying by. 

July the twenty-second day, 

Where christians met to sing and pray, 

In seventeen hundred eighty-one, 

An horrid action was begun ; 

While to the Lord they sing and pray, 

The tories who in ambush lay, 

Ucset the house with brazen face, 



At Middlesex it was the place. 

A guard was placed the house before, 

Likewise behind and al each door. 

Then \<>id of shame, those men of sin, 

The sacred temple enter'd in. 

The i'\ ei i ml M i phes clos'd hi i 

How did the congregation look I 

The reverend pi iest, that man of God, 

Sell-rely felt the smarting rod. 

Nut by a whip do I pretend, 

Hut by abuses from those friends. 



* According to the information obtained in Darien, this lady was the mother of 
"Washington Irving, the American poet. 



GREENWICH. 



379 



How must he feel to see his sheep, 

Thus worried whilst they silence keep. 

Those demons plundered what they could, 

Either in silver or in gold. 

The silver buckles which we use 

Both at the knees and on the shoes, 

These caitiffs took them in their rage, 

Had no respect to sex or age. 

And as they all were searching round, 

They several silver watches found. 

They who were placed as guards u ithout, 

Like raging devils rang'd about, 

Took forty horses to the shore, 

Not many either less or more, 

With bridles, saddles, pillions on, 

In a few minutes all was done. 

The men which hence they took away, 

Upon this sacred awful day 

Was forty-eight, besides two more 

They chanced to And upon the shore. 

When to the shore they were convey'd, 

The orders given they obey'd. 

On board the shipping they were sent, 

But greatly feared the sad event, 

As well they might, because they knew, 

Their captors were the devil's crew. 

They hoisted sail, the sound they cross'd, 

And near Lloyd's- Neck they anchored first. 

Then every man must tell iiis name, 

A list they look and kept the same. 

Now twenty four of titty men, 

Were ordered home again : 

The twenty-six who slay'd behind, 

Most cruelly they were confin'd, 

On board the brig were ordered quick, 

And were confined beneath the deck ; 

A nasty hole witli filth besmear'd, 

But 'twas no more than what they fear'd. 

* * * * 

Bat to return whence I left ofT, 
They at our misery make a scoff, 
Like raving devils tore about, 
Swearing they'd tear our vitals out; 
That they'd no quarter ever give, 
Nor let a cursed rebel live ; 



But would their joints in pieces cut, 
Then round the deck like devils strut. 
Oh, human nature, how deprav'd ! 
Can any mortal e're be sav'd? 
So void of good, and full of evil, 
And wholly bent to serve the devil. 
.Inly the four and twentieth day, 
We all were sent to Oyster- Bay. 

* * * * 
We to the ferry came at last, 
View'd by spectators as we past : 
The gazing rabble, Tory throng, 
Would curse us as we past along. 
In boats the ferry soon we past, 
And at New York arrived at last. 
As thro' the streets we past along, 
Ten thousand curses round us rung ; 

But some would laugh and some would snear, 

And some would grin, and some would lear. 

A mixed mob, a medley crew, 

I guess as e'er the devil knew. 

To the provost we were then hal'd, 

Though we of war were prisoners call'd ; 

Our Irons now were ordered off, 

The standers by would swear and scon". 

But O what company we found ; 

With great surprise we look'd around ! 

I must conclude that in this place, 

We found the worst of Adam's race ; 

Thieves, murderers, and pick-pockets too, 

And every thing that's bad they'd do : 

One of our men found to his cost, 

Three pounds York money he had lost ; 

His pockets pick'd, I guess before 

We had been there one single hour. 

* * * * 
Full eighteen days or something more, 
We fairly were exchang'd before, 

Of the exchange they let us know, 
Or from that place of bondage go, 
That of the number twenty-live, 
But just nineteen were left alive ; 
Lour days before December's gone, 
In seventeen hundred eighty-one." 



GREENWICH. 

The settlement of Greenwich was begun, after it had been pur- 
chased of the Indians, in 1640, under the Dutch government at New 
York, then New Amsterdam. In 1665, it was incorporated by Gov. 
Stuyvesant. It was, however, originally purchased for the colony of 
New Haven, by Robert Feaks and Daniel Patrick. But the purcha- 
sers violated their engagements to that colony, and together with the 
few inhabitants, placed themselves under the government of New Am- 
sterdam. The settlement went on heavily, until the people returned 
to the jurisdiction of Connecticut, then including the colony of New 
Haven. The Indians were hostile to the Dutch, and were not very 
favorably inclined towards the inhabitants. " The war between the 
Dutch and Indians continuing," says Dr. Trumbull, " a great and gen- 
eral battle was fought between them, in that part of Horse neck com- 
monly known by the name of Strickland's plain. The action was long 
and severe, both parties fighting with much obstinacy. The Dutch 
with much difficulty kept the field, and the Indians withdrew. Great 
numbers were slain on both sides, and the graves of the dead, for a 
century or more, appeared like a number of small hills." This battle 
took place in 1646. 



330 



GREENWICH. 



Greenwich is bounded on the north and west by the county of West- 
chester in the state of New York, on the east by Stamford, and on the 
south by Long Island sound. Its average length is 8^ miles, and its 
breadth nearly six. The town is divided into three parishes, West 
Greenwich on the west, Greenwich on the east, and Stanwich, a part of 
which is taken from Stamford, on the north. West Greenwich is often 
called Horse neck, from a peninsula on the sound, formerly used as a 
pasture for horses. This parish is the largest, richest, and most popu- 
lous part of the town. The township is hilly, and broken, and ledgy, 
in many places. After passing Byram river, the boundary between 
Connecticut and New York, the road passes through a tract of country 
unusually wild and savage in its aspect, large masses of rocks being scat- 
tered about in great disorder. But the grounds at a short distance, both 
above and below the road, are smoother, and the soil is of the best qual- 
ity, and fitted for every production of the climate. There are several 
small streams which discharge their waters into the Sound on the south- 
ern border of the town, of which Byram river and Miannus creek are 
the largest. There are also several landing places. Sawpitts landing 
is on the New York side of Byram river, where the steamboats stop to 
land and receive passengers. 

Putnam's Hill is situated in West Greenwich, about five miles west 
from Stamford, on the main road to New York. This place is celebrated 
for the daring exploit of Gen. Putnam, who descended this precipice 
when pursued by the British dragoons. The place is considerably al- 
tered in its appearance since the Revolutionary war, by a road being 
blasted through the rocks at the summit of the hill, and continued by a 
causeway to the valley below. A small Episcopal church formerly 
stood on the brow of the hill, a few feet south of where the road is now 
cut through ; and the road passed north by the house* seen in the en- 
graving, and after proceeding to a considerable distance, bent again with 
a sharp angle to the south. The members of the congregation who 
lived below the hill, in order to save the tedious circuit of going round 
in the road, when walking to the church, placed stepping stones, in 
number about seventy, at suitable distances, so that foot passengers 
could ascend the precipice, directly up to the church. On the left of 
the print is seen a range of small trees, extending from the bottom to 
the top of the hill ; these trees now occupy the place where the steps 
or stairs were situated, few or no traces of which now remain. 

On the approach of Gov. Tryon to this place, with a force of about 
fifteen hundred men, Gen. Putnam planted two iron field pieces by the 
meeting house, without horses or drag ropes. Having fired his cannon 
several times, Putnam perceiving the dragoons, (supported by the in- 
fantry,) about to charge, ordered his men, about one hundred and fifty 
in number, to provide for their safety, and secured his own by plunging 
down the precipice at full trot. The dragoons, who were but a sword's 
length from him, stopped short ; for the declivity was so abrupt that 

* This house was standing during the Revolutionary war, and is now occupied by 
one of the physicians of the place. The Congregational church is about 80 rods west. 
A new Episcopal church has been recently erected, which is still nearer. 



GREENWICH. 



381 




Southeastern view of Putnam' 's Hill, Greenwich. 

they dared not follow, and before they could gain the valley, by going 
round the brow of the hill in the ordinary way, he was far beyond their 
reach. One shot, however, of the many fired at him, went through his 
hat as he was passing down the hill. It has been generally stated, that 
Putnam rode directly down the steps ; but those who saw him pass down 
the hill, say that he took a zigzag course, commencing at the barn seen 
in the engraving, north of the house, and continuing south till he reached 
the steps, the lower ones of which he might have descended. This 
course would be sufficiently hazardous, and it is believed but very few 
men could be found who would dare make the attempt. 



The following is Gen. Putman's official account of the skirmish at 
Horse Neck. 

Camp at Beading, March 2d, 1779. 

" A detachment from the enemy at King's bridge, consisting of the lTili, 1 1th, and 
57th British regiments, one of the Hessians, and two of new levies, marched from 
iheir lines for Horse neck on the evening of the 25th ult., with an intention of sur- 
prising the troops at that place, and destroying the salt works. 

" A captain and thirty men were sent from our advanced lines from Horse neck, 
who discovered the enemy at New Rochelle, in advance. They retired before them 
undiscovered, as far as Rye neck, where it growing light, the enemy observed and at- 
tacked them. They defended themselves as well as possible, and made their way good 
to Sawpitts, where they took advantage of a commanding piece of ground and made 
some little stand, but the superior force of the enemy obliged them to retire over By- 
ram bridge, which they took up, and by that means had an opportunity of reaching 
Horse neck in safety. 

" As I was there myself to see the situation of the guards, I had the troops formed 
on a hill by the meeting house, ready to receive the enemy as they advanced. They 



382 GREENWICH. 

came on briskly, and I soon discovered that their design was to turn our flanks and 
possess themselves of a defile in our rear, which would effectually prevent our retreat. 
I therefore ordered parties out on both flanks, with directions to give me information 
of their approach, that we might retire in season. Jn the mean time a column ad- 
vanced up the main road, where the remainder of the troops (amounting only to about 
sixty,) were posted. "We discharged some old fiehl pieces which were there, a few 
times, and gave them a small fire of musketry, but without any considerable effect ; 
the superior force of the enemy soon obliged our small detachment to abandon the 
place. 

" I therefore directed the troops to retire and form on a hill a little distance from 
Horse neck, while I proceeded to Stanford and collected a body of militia and a few 
continental troops which were there, with which I returned immediately, and found 
that the enemy, (after plundering the inhabitants of the principal part of their effects, 
and destroying a few salt works, a small sloop and store,) were on their return. The 
ollicer commanding the continental troops stationed at Horse neck, mistook my orders, 
and went much farther than 1 intended, so that he could not come up with them to 
any advantage. I however ordered the few troops that came from Stanford to pursue 
them, thinking they might have an opportunity to pick up some stragglers. In this 
I was not mistaken, as your Excellency will see by the enclosed list of prisoners. Be- 
sides these, eight or nine more were taken and sent off, so that 1 cannot tell to which 
particular regiments they belonged, one ammunition and one baggage wagon were 
taken. In the former there were about two hundred rounds of canister, grape and 
round shot, suited to three pounders, some slow matches, and about two hundred 
lulu's: the latter was filled with plunder, which I had the satisfaction of restoring to 
the inhabitants from whom it was taken. As I have not yet got a return, I cannot tell 
exactly the number we lost, though I don't think more than ten soldiers, and about 
that number of inhabitants, but a few of which were in arms. 

List of prisoners taken at Horse neck, the 2ti//i ult. — 17th Regiment, 15 privates ; 44th 
do. 5 privates, 57th <\o. I! privates, Loyal American Regiment 5, Em me rick corps b. 
First battalion of Artillery 1, Pioneers, 1. — Total 38. 

N. B. Seven deserters from Emmerick's corps. 



The following account of Gen. Tryon's expedition to Horse neck, 
1779, is from the New Haven Journal. 

" Extracts from two letters from Fairfield county, dated March 1st. 

" The enemy have made an excursion within four miles of Stamford, by tli 
accounts of about 1400 or 1500, under the command of Gov. Tryon ; they reached 
Horse neck on Friday morning about 9 o'clock; at Stamford they were not alarmed 
till 10 o'clock, notwithstanding the enemy were discovered at 9 o'clock the preceding 
evening by a small guard of continental troops at East Chester, under the command 
of Capt. Titus Watson, who were obliged to give way, though they fought on their 
retreat, and some of them were wounded and taken prisoners. Capt. Watsi 
closely pursued by a light horseman, whom he had the good fortune to kill, ami by the 

made lus escape. Gen. Putnam was accidentally at Stamford, but the coii- 

I troops were too much scattered to be collected in season to oppose the enemj . 
About 200 militia and a few continental troops, fell in with the enemy's rear, just as 
they wen:' leaving Horse neck, about the middle of the afternoon, who killed 8 oi l<> 
of them, and took about fifty prisoners, who had made too free with the strong liquor 
inl plundered. They destroyed a small salt work, and burnt a schooner which 
lay at Mianos creek. They plundered the inhabitants of every thing they could lay 
iin 'i hands on, broke windows, &c. and many families are strip't of every thing but 
the clothes they had on ; even the house where Gov. Tryon had his head Quarters was 
not spared. They retreated to Rye on Friday evening," and next day to King'- I 
Their retreat was so precipitate, that they left behind two wagons loaded with plun- 
der. We had not a man killed." 



New Hdven, January 2Sth, 1778. 
On the 25th tilt. Lieut. Barber, of Groton, in company with another officer, walked 
out a few miles from our camp near the Sawpitts, and on their return a party of 
Tories i n them with buck shot, when Lieut. Barber was shot 

through the body, and died immediately. 



HUNTINGTON, 



383 



HUNTINGTON. 

Huntington was incorporated as a town in 17S9 ; and at that time 
included two parishes, Ripton and New Stratford. Since the forma- 
tion of Monroe, Ripton constitutes the town of Huntington. It is 
bounded northwest by Monroe, east by the Housatonic, separating it 
from Derby and Orange, south by Stratford, and west by Trumbull. 
It averages about five miles in length and breadth. The surface is un- 
even, being diversified with hills and valleys ; the soil is generally fer- 
tile, being adapted to a grain culture. Agriculture is the principal 
business of the inhabitants. 




S. view of the Episcopal and Congregational Churches, Huntington. 

The above is a south view of the Episcopal and Congregational 
churches, in the central part of the town. The Episcopal church is 
seen on the right, and the Congregational church, recently erected, is 
seen on the left. The Rev. Jedediah Mills appears to have been the 
first minister in this place ; he was ordained in February, 1724. The 
first meeting house was erected on Fanton hill, an elevation 80 rods or 
more northeast of the churches represented in the engraving. The 
ancient burying ground is near the place. The second Congregational 
church stood about 25 rods n. e. of the present building, which is the 
third. The first Episcopal church was erected in 1740. The church 
or society was under the care of Dr. Johnson until the year 1755, w T hen 
the Rev. Christopher Newton was appointed their missionary. About 
20 years since the Episcopal church, which stood on the foundations 
of the present building, was burnt down. It was set on fire by a gun, 
which was discharged at some doves on the building. This place is 
four miles west from Derby Landing, and twelve from Fairfield. 



334 



M N R O E 



MONROE, 

Was incorporated as a town in 1823. It was formerly the parish of 
New Stratford, in the town of Huntington. It is bounded north by 
Newtown, east by the Housatonic, south by Huntington and Trumbull, 
and west by Weston. The town is about six miles in length from east 
to west, and four and a half in breadth. The surface of the township 
is uneven, and in many parts stony and rough. The soil is good, and 
generally adapted to grazing. Orchards flourish well, and there is gen- 
erally a profusion of the common fruits of the country. Agriculture is 
the principal business of the inhabitants. 




BiJintiiiElBJfEgglHIIIlHniHiiffMJfflil 



South view of the central yart of Monroe. 

There are two post offices in this town, one at the center, and one 
called the Stepney post office, in the western part of the town, about 
11 miles north of Bridgeport. The principal part of the mechanical 
business of Monroe is performed in this vicinity. 

In the central part of the town, there is a small village, consisting of 
a dozen or more dwelling houses, two churches, one Congregational and 
1 Episcopal, and an Academy or classical school. These buildings are 
situated around a small, open square or green. The building seen in 
the central part of the engraving, on the north side of the square, is the 
Congregational church; the first building seen east of the church is the 
Academy ; part of the Episcopal church is seen on the left. The 
classical school mentioned above was commenced in 1828, by Mr. Sam- 
uel Beardslee, a graduate of Yale College, and has been sustained by 
a respectable number of pupils, from various places. This place is on 
an elevated situation, and the air is generally pure and salubrious. The 
township abounds in good springs of water, and is considered unusually 
healthy. There are 4 houses of worship ; 1 Congregational, 1 Epis- 
copal, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist. 



NEW CANAAN. 385 

Monroe is much celebrated for its extensive deposit of minerals. 
More than fifteen years since, a shaft was sunk a few feet, on the farm 
of Mr. Ephraim Lane. This revealed a rich variety of interesting min- 
eral substances. Among them were tungsten, tellurium, native bismuth, 
native silver, magnetic and common iron pyrites, copper pyrites, galena, 
blende, tourmaline, ecc. It is greatly to he desired, that this locality 
should be farther explored. Four miles south of this spot, is a vein of 
fluor spar, about two feet in width. 

"The vein is much penetrated by quartz, mica, feldspar and talc, but it has been 
hitherto examined only on the surface. It is principally massive, and its structure fo- 
liated or coarsely granular, but it presents well defined cubical crystals. Its colors 
vary from white to deep violet and purple, and are principally various shades of the 
two latter. But the most interesting circumstance relating to it, is its splendid phos- 
phorescence. The light emitted when it is thrown, in a dark place, upon a hot shovel, 
is the purest cm< ml J g reen; pieces of an inch in diameter become in a few seconds fully 
illuminated, and the light is so strong and enduring, that when carried into a room 
lighted by candles, or by the diffuse (not direct) light of the sun, they still continue 
distinctly luminous, and the light dies away very gradually as the mineral cools." 

Mr. Lane has also discovered on his land a locality of beryls, some 
of which are very large. Native sulphur has been found, near the sur- 
face of the earth. 



NEW CANAAN. 

New Canaan was incorporated as a town in ISO I. This town was 
formerly Canaan parish, lying in the townships of Norwalk and Stam- 
ford, incorporated as a parish in 1731. The first society meeting was 
held July 1st, 1731. The next year there were 47 members of the 
society — 30 on the Norwalk side, and 17 on the Stamford side. Ponus 
street was annexed to North Stamford in May, 1788. The Rev. John 
Eells of Mil ford, was the first minister ; he was ordained in June, 1733 ; 
he resigned his pastoral charge in 1741. He died in New Canaan in 
1785, in his 85th year. The Rev. Robert Silliman, the next pastor, 
was ordained in 1742, and continued in the ministry in this place till 
1771. William Drummond, born and educated in Scotland, and or- 
dained there by the presbytery of Ochterarder, in the synod of Perth 
and Sterling, was installed pastor in this place in 1772. He was dis- 
missed and deposed from the ministry in 1777. The Rev. Justus 
Mitchell, of Woodbury, was ordained here in 17S3 ; he died suddenly 
in 1806. 

New Canaan is bounded n. by the state of New York, w. by Stam- 
ford, s. by Stamford and Norwalk, and e. by Wilton. It is 6 miles in 
length, and 4 in breadth. The surface of the township is mountainous, 
containing spines or ridges, composed of rock and stone, which extend 
from north to south through the town. The soil is a hard gravelly loam, 
being stony, but tolerably well timbered, and generally good for culti- 
vation. The manufacture of shoes and leather is the principal manu- 
facturing business done in the town, the yearly value of which is esti- 
mated at 400,000 dollars. 

49 



386 



NEW CANAAN. 




East vieiv of the central part of New Canaan. 

The above is an eastern view of the central part of New Canaan. 
The building on the extreme right, with a square tower, is the Episco- 
pal church, recently erected ; the building seen standing nearest to it, 
is the town house. The Congregational church, with a spire, is seen 
on the left. This building was erected in 1752, and is the second 
house of worship ; the first stood a litile south. The Methodist church 
is about half a mile south of this place. The building with a small 
steeple or tower, in the central part of the engraving, is the New Ca- 
naan Academy, established in 1815. This respectable institution is 
now under the superintendence of Mr. Silas Davenport, who is both 
principal and proprietor. It stands on an elevated and commanding 
situation, having a fine prospect of Long Island sound and the inter- 
vening country. This place is 5 miles n. w. from Norwalk, 37 from 
New Haven, and 50 from New York. About two miles north of the 
Congregational church, in a tract of woods, was a place of resort for all 
the Indians in the vicinity. There are three excavations out of the 
solid rock, the largest of which will contain about S gallons, and ano- 
ther about 5; the third will contain about 1 quart. These cavities are 
on the side of a rock, one above another, the largest being at the top. 
Pestles, stone axes, and other Indian implements, have been found 
about this spot ; the rocks bear the appearance of fire. The cavities 
above mentioned were doubtless formed by the Indians, for the purpose 
of pounding or grinding their corn. 



The following inscription is from a monument in the old grave yard, 
seen in front of the Congregational church. 

In memory of the Rev. Justus Mitchell, A.M., V.D.M., pastor of the church of 

Christ in New < !anaan, who died suddenly in the hour of sleep, 24th Sept. A. D. 180G, 
in the 52>1 year ot his age. and 25ih of his ministry. In bis death was lost to his con- 
sort an affectionate and beloved husband ; to his children a kind revered parent, coun- 



NEW FAIRFIELD. NEWTOWN. 387 

sellor and guide; to his flock a faithful, learned and venerated pastor; totheChurch 
of Christ a bright ornament and example; to the poor a liberal benefactor; to the dis- 
consolate a comforter and friend. 

In doctrine uncorrupt, in language plain, 
And plain in manner, decent, solemn, chaste, 
Affectionate in look, and much impress'd, 
By him the violated law spoke out 
Its thunders; and by him in strains as sweet 
As angels use, the gospel whisper'd peace. 



NEW FAIRFIELD. 

New Fairfield was granted by the General Assembly in 1707, to 
a number of the inhabitants of Fairfield. The town was originally four- 
teen miles in extent from north to south. The first settlement appears 
to have been in the year 1730, in that part of the town called the lower 
seven miles. Several circumstances retarded the settlement of the 
town, for nearly thirty years after it was granted by the legislature. The 
Indians in this part of the colony were judged to be less friendly than 
usual, and there were reports of a designed attack from a large body of 
French and Indians from Canada. The line between Connecticut and 
New York was not settled till 1731. The grant by Connecticut of the 
tract called the Oblong, to New York, as a compensation for lands set- 
tled on the Sound, disappointed the proprietors, and narrowed the town- 
ship several miles, as to its western extent. It was incorporated as a 
town in 1740. The first minister in the present township was the Rev. 
Benajah Case, who was ordained in 1742. 

New Fairfield is now but about five miles in extent from north to 
south, with an average breadth of about four and a half miles. It is boun- 
ded n. by Sherman, w. by the state of New York, e. by New Milford, 
and s. by Danbury. The township is broken, having several granite 
ridges extending through it ; the soil is hard and gravelly. It is watered 
by Rocky river, a mill stream which runs in a northerly direction, and 
discharges itself into the Housatonic. The central part of the town is 
64 miles southwest from Hartford, and 7 miles north of Danbury. 



NEWTOWN. 



The ancient Indian name of this township was Pohtatuck, being the 
name of a stream which intersects the town. In 1708, the General 
Assembly made a grant of the tract of country comprising the township, 
and incorporated it as a town the same year, by the name of Newtown. 
The principal seat of the Indians in this town appears to have been at 
the mouth of the Pohtatuck, a mill stream which enters the Housatonic. 

The township is rather irregular in its form, being nearly a triangle 
in its shape. Its length from northwest to southeast averages about 
eight miles, with an average breadth of more than six. It is bounded 
n. w. by Brookfield, n. e. and e. by the Housatonic river, which se- 



383 



NEWTOWN 



parates it from Southbury, w. by Danbury and Reading, and s. w. by 
Monroe. The surface of the town is hilly ; many of the eminences are 
extensive and continuous. The soil is principally a gravelly loam, 
with some sections of sandy loam, generally fertile and productive. It 
is well adapted to the culture of grain, and is also favorable for fruit, 
there being many valuable orchards in the town. There are 5 churches 
in the town ; 2 Episcopal, 1 Congregational, 1 Baptist, and 1 Metho- 
dist. 





South view of Newtown. 

The borough of Newtown is situated on the southern termination of 
a ridge of elevated land. After ascending the hill, from the south, 
there^is a broad and level street, about eighty rods in extent. The 
borough is mostly built on this street : there are about 40 or 50 dwell- 
ing houses, 3 churches, 1 Congregational, 1 Episcopal, and I Meth- 
odist ; and 4 mercantile stores. This place is 10 miles from Danbury, 
25 from New Haven, and 22 from Fairfield. The above engraving 
shows the appearance of the village as it is entered from the south. 
The Episcopal and Congregational churches are seen at the south end 
of the principal street, near the southern descent of the bill. The 
houses are not distinctly seen, on account of the trees standing before 
them. 

The flourishing village of Sandy Hook is situated about H miles N. 
e. of the central part of Newtown, at the foot of a rocky eminence or 
bluff, from the top of which is a fine prospect of the surrounding 
country. A fine mill stream (the Pohtatuck) runs in a northerly 
course through the village, at the base of the bluff, which rises almost 
perpendicularly to the height of one hundred and sixty feet. Near 
Mr. Sanford's cotton factory, at the northern extremity of the village, 
some traces of coal have been discovered. The village contained in 
1834, 1 cotton, 1 hat, 1 comb and 2 woolen factories. There was 



NORWALK, 



389 



also 1 machine shop, and 1 establishment for working brass. The vil- 
lage contained about 50 families in 1834 ; it is at the present time rap- 
idly increasing. 

The following inscriptions are from monuments in the burying ground, 
nearly a mile south of the village of Newtown. 

Herelyeth interred the earthly remains of the Rev. John Beach, A. M. late mission- 
ary from ye venerable society for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts, who 
exchanged this life for Immortality on the 19th day of March, 1782, in the 82d year of 
his age and 51st year of his ministry. 

The sweel remembrance of the just 
Shall tlourish when he sleeps in dust. 

Reader let this Tablet abide. 



The following inscriptions are ft 
near each other, separated in some 
the yard. 

In memory of Anna, wife of Amos Shep 
aid, died in 1821, aged 03. 
Behold the orient star appearing, 

Harbinger of endless day ; 
Hark ! a voice the darkness cheering, 
Calls my fleeting. soul away. 



Elam Shepard died Jan. 1st, 1826, aged 25 

years. 

Soon my cries shall cease to grieve thee, 
Soon my trembling heart find rest, 

Kinder arms than thine receive me, 
Softer pillow than thy breast. 



ora five monuments which stand 
measure from other monuments in 



Rise, may every grace attend thee. 
Rise and seek to meet me there. 



Sylvia Ann, wife of Henry Judson, who 
died Feb. 6th, 1826, aged 23. 
O happy, happy place 
Where saints and angels meet, 
Where we shall see each other's face 
And all our burthen greet. 



Albert Shepard died at Bridgeport, Feb. 
5th, 1826, aged 32. 
Yet to leave thee sorrowing rends me, 
Though again his voice I hear, 



William T. Shepard died March 26th, 

182G, aged 27 years. 

Through this calm and holy dawning, 

Silent glides my parting breath, 
To an everlasting morning, 
Gently close my eyes in death. 



NORWALK. 

The eastern and middle parts of Norwalk appear to have been pur- 
chased of the natives about the year 1640 ;* yet, for ten years, there 
were but a few scattering inhabitants within its limits. In 1649, upon 
the petition of Nathan Ely and Richard Olmstead, the Court gave liber- 
ty for its settlement, and ordained that it should be a town by the name 
of Norwalk. At this period, the inhabitants consisted of about twenty 

* Norwalk originally included part of the present towns of New Canaan and Wil- 
ton, and part of Westport. In the ancient records, the bounds are stated to be " from 
Norwalk river to Sauhatuck river, from sea, Indian one day walk into the country." 
For this tract the following articles were given, viz. " 8 fathom wampum, 6 coats, 10 
hatchets, 10 hoes, 10 knives, 10 scizers, 10 juseharps, 10 fathom tobacco, 3 kettles, 3 
iiands-about, and 10 looking glasses." The following articles were given to the In- 
dians for the tract, " from Norwalk river to Five mile river, from sea, Indian one day 
in country," viz. " 10 fathom wampum, 3 hatchets, 3 hoes when ships come, 6 glasses, 
12 tobacco pipes, 3 knives, 10 drillers, 10 needles." The name of Norwalk is derived 
from the above bargain, viz. the northern bounds of the lands purchased were to ex- 
tend from the sea one day's " north walk" into the country. 



390 



N O It W A L K . 



families. About four years after, the General Court vested them with 
town privileges. 

The town is bounded northwest by New Canaan and Wilton, west 
by Darien, east by Westport, and south by Long Island sound. Its 
length from north to south is about five miles ; its breadth may average 
about four. The soil is excellent. The surAice of the town is une- 
ven, being pleasantly diversified with hills and valleys. On the border 
of the Sound the hills are generally moderate, and in the interior more 
elevated. 




South view of the Borough of Norwalk. 

"The valley which lies along Norwalk river, and in which the town 
is built, is beautiful. Few richer prospects of the same extent can be 
found, than that which is presented from the neighboring eminences of 
this ground; the town built in its bosom, with its cheerful spires; the 
river flowing through the middle ; the farms on the bordering hills ; 
the rich plain that skirts the Sound, and a train of islands fronting the 
mouth of the river, and extending eastward five or six miles; together 
with an unlimited view of the Sound, and the Long Island shore." 

Norwalk contains two considerable and flourishing villages, Norwalk 
borough, and the village of Old Well. Norwalk borough, (constituted 
as such in 1836,) is a village of upwards of 100 houses, 26 mercantile 
stores, 2 churches, 1 Congregational and 1 Episcopal, 1 bank, (the Fair- 
field County bank,) and 1 extensive pottery. There are two newspa- 
pers printed in the borough. Norwalk is a place of considerable activ- 
ity and business, being a commercial depot and market for the northern 
part of the county ; a considerable proportion of the staple products 
being brought here for sale, or to be freighted for New York. This 
place is 32 miles from New Haven, 48 n. e. from New York, and 22 
south of Danbury. 



NORWALK, 



391 



The village is built on both sides of a small river or creek, which is 
much contracted in width at the bridge which connects the two parts 
of the village, and the buildings on each side of the stream are so near 
each other, that the passage of the river from the north is not readily 
perceived at a short distance. Vessels drawing six feet of water can 
get up to the bridge, in the most compact part of the village. On the 
extreme right of the engraving is seen a small conical hill or elevation, 
on which are a number of poplars, perhaps 10 or 15 rods east of the 
road which passes on the east side of the creek. This elevation is 
called Grummon's Hill ; it is celebrated as being the head-quarters of 
Gov. Tryon, who, sealed in a chair on its summit, beheld the confla- 
gration of this place in 1779, it is believed, with pleasure. The build- 
ing before which a flag-staff is standing, is the old town house, north- 
east from which are seen the spires of the Congregational and Episco- 
pal churches. 




m 




Southern view of Norivalk Toivn House. 



The above is a representation of the new town house, which is con- 
structed of brick, erected in 183(5. The old town house was pulled 
down in July, 1835. It had been long in a ruinous state, and much 
disfigured the appearance of the place. Some persons in the town, 
who took upon themselves the responsibility of regulating things of this 
nature about the town, being impatient of the " law's delay," took ad- 
vantage of the darkness of night, pulled down the obnoxious building, 
and piled up the rubbish by the side of the road. 

On the 11th of July, 1779, Norwalk was burnt by the British and 
tories, under- Gov. Tryon. Eighty dwelling houses, 2 churches, 87 
barns, 17 shops, 4 mills, and 5 vessels, were consumed. The loss of 
property sustained by the inhabitants, was estimated by a committee, 
appointed by the General Assembly for the purpose, at $116,238 66. 
The following account of the burning of. this place was obtained from 
Mr. Betts, an aged and respectable inhabitant of this town, who was 
an eye witness to most of the facts related : — 

Gov. Tryon and Brigadier General Garth having laid Fairfield in 
ashes, crossed the Sound to Huntington bay, where they remained till 



392 NORWALK. 

the 11th of July. They then sailed over to Norwalk, and landed in 
the night, between 8 and 9 o'clock, on the plain which lies on the east 
side of the river. On learning this fact, the inhabitants generally fled, 
during the night; many of them went to Belden's hill, about five miles 
distant. Next morning, between 7 and 8 o'clock, Tryon arrived at 
Grummon's hill, which he made his head-quarters. Little opposition 
was made to the British troops, excepting by a company of continen- 
tal soldiers, about fifty in number, commanded by Captain Stephen 
Betts, who was soon, however, obliged to flee from the overwhelming 
force of Tryon, with the loss of four of his men killed. These men 
were buried in a lot in the northwestern part of the place, then owned 
by Mrs. Cannon. The first building was burnt about sunrise ; it stood 
near where the steamboat wharf is now constructed. Both the churches 
in the place, one the Congregational, the other the Episcopal, were 
consumed. The Congregational church was seventy feet by fifty three, 
and three stories in height, and had just been put in good repair ; it 
was situated thirty or forty rods south of Grummon's hill. The Epis- 
copal church stood on the same foundation on which the present church 
is built. The present building is built in the same form of the one 
burnt. 

Six houses only were left undestroyed by the enemy ; four on the 
east, and two on the west side of the river. One of these was saved 
by the intercession of a maiden lady, who personally applied to Tryon. 
in order to save the house. The argument which she made use of was, 
" that the owner of the house was a friend to his majesty king George." 
The other five houses were probably spared from the same considera- 
tions. The British began their retreat about noon ; the Episcopal cler- 
gyman, and several other persons disaffected to the American cause, 
went off with them. 

The flourishing village of Old Well* is situated about li miles south 
of the central part of Norwalk borough, on the west side of the creek, 
Norwalk river being so called up as far as the bridge. The view shows 
the appearance of the village from the eastern side of the creek, on the 
elevated bank which rises above the flats, opposite the village. There 
are at present in the village 6 or 7 hat factories, 3 potteries, and a car- 
riage making establishment. This is the principal landing, place for 
steamboats, for Norwalk and the vicinity, there being a daily line from 
and to New York. A boat leaves Norwalk bridge every other day for 
New York. There are two churches in Old Well, a Congregational in 
the center, and a Methodist in the northern part of the place. 

There is a cotton factory, and a factory for manufacturing carpets, in 
the town. This establishment, called the " Patent Carpet Company," 
was commenced in 1834. Their carpeting, of which they manufacture 
at this time about 200 yards daily, is made ivithout spinning or weav- 
ing, being made of felting, the material of which hats are composed. 
Messrs. Arnold h Bishop are the proprietors of this establishment, 
which promises to be one of much importance. 

* This place, it. is believed, received iis name from an old well, from which, in an- 
cient times, vessels engaged in the West India trade, took their supplies of water. 



NORWALK. 



3f3 




Eastern view of the village of Old Well, Norwalk. 

The following is Capt. Betts' account of the skirmish with the ene- 
my at Norwalk, (in the secretary of state's office, Hartford.) 

Fairfield county, NorwqlK, July ilGth, 1779. 
Captain Stephen Betts, of Col. Butler's Reg. in ye continental service personally 
appeared and made solemn oalh, That on ye 11th instant, while ye enemy invaded 
Norwalk, he with about fifty continental troops and some militia, engaged a superior 
number of ye enemy, which obliged them to give way to an unequal force. As they 
retreated, John Waters, a continental soldier, fell into ye enemy's hands, delivered up 
his arms, and begged for life; but ye enemy notwithstanding assaulted him with bay- 
onet, which they stabbed him in sundry places, and then one of them presented his 
piece and aimed, as the Captain supposed, at his body, but missing that, ye ball shat- 
tered his arm, whereupon finding no quarter, he made a strong effort to escape, which 
he happily effected. Soon after ye above accident, John Rich, another continental 
soldier, was shot so as to fall, and as the enemy were nigh, and crowded last upon our 
people, he desired Capt. Betts to leave him, as they could not take him without the 
greatest hazard. Capt. Belts saw Rich no more, but says Capt. Eels of Col. Wyllys' 
Reg. told him he saw him after ye enemy had retreated, about two hours after Cnpt. 
Betts saw'l m. He was then dead, and ye top of his skull torn off", supposed to be 
blown off by a musquet to dispatch him; and further saith not. Before me, 

Thaddeus Betts, Justice of the Peace. 

The following is from Gen. Tryon's official account, published in the 
London Gazette, relative to the burning of Norwalk. 

" Wanting some supplies, we crossed the Sound to Huntingdon, and there continu- 
ed till the 11th, and repassing that day, anchored five miles from the bay of Norwalk. 
The sun being nearly set before the 54th, the Landgrave's regiment, and the Jagers 
were in the boats, it was near nine in the evening when I landed them in the Cow 
pasture, a peninsula on the east side of the harbor, within a mile and a half of the 
bridge, which formed the communication between the east and west parts of the vil- 
lage, nearly equally divided by a salt creek. 

The king's American regiment being unable to join us before three next morning, 
we lay that night on our arms. In our march at the first dawn of the day, the 54th 
led the column, and soon fell in with the rebel- outpost, and driving the enemy with 
great alacrity and spirit, dispossessed them of Drnmmond hill, and the heights at that 
end of the village, east and commanding the bridge. 

It being now but 4 o'clock in the morning, and the rebels having taken post within 
random cannon shot upon the hills on the north, I resolved to halt until the second 
division, landed at the Old Wells, had advanced and formed the junction. 

.50 



394 



NORWALK. 



Gen. Garth's division passed the bridge by 9, and at my desire proceeded to the north 
end of the village, from whence, especially from the houses, there had been afire for 
five hours, upon our advance guards. 

The fuziliers, supported by the light infantry of the guards, began the attack, and 
soon cleared the quarters, pushing the main body and 100 cavalry from the northern 
heights, and taking one piece of their cannon. 

After many salt pans were destroyed, whale boats carried on board the fleet, and the 
magazines, stores, and vessels set in flames, with the greater part of the dwelling 
houses, the advanced corps were drawn back, and the troops retired in two columns 
to the place of our first debarkation, and, unassaulted, took ship and returned to Hun- 
tingdon bay." 

The loss of the British forces at Norwalk, according to Tryon's offi- 
cial account, was 20 killed, 96 wounded, and 32 missing. 



From the Wijllis Manuscripts. 
Names of the freemen of Norwalk, taken October 13th, 1669. 



Han J fo rd e , 

Lieut. Olmstede, 
Richard Homes, 
Thomas Benedict, 
John Benton, 
Joseph Ffenn, 
Daniel Kelloire, 



Matthew Marvin, sen. 
Matthew Marvin, jun. 
Thomas Ffitch, 

Richards, 

George Abbot, 
Haile, 



Mark Sention, sen. 
Fourteen names illegible and omitted. 



Mark Sention, 
Samuel Hint's, 
Henrv Whitney, 
John Haille, 
Thomas Betts, 
Eph. Lockwood, 
John Piatt, 



Samuel Sention, 
Robert Steward, 
Thomas Fitch, jr. 
Sention, 



Charley Comstock, 
Thomas Seamer, 
Thomas Benedict, jr. 



The following is copied from the inscription on the monument of 
Gov. Fitch, in Norwalk. According to information recently received 
from Norwalk, from three grandchildren of the Governor, viz. Mrs. 
Belden, (now over 70 years of age,) Mrs. Fitch, Mrs. Raymond, all 
intelligent and respectable ladies, there were three brothers who came 
to this country, viz. Elijah, who settled in Norwich, Hooker in Stam- 
ford, and Samuel in Norwalk, who was the father of the Governor. 

The Hon'ble Thomas Fitch, Esq.. Govr. of the colony of Connecticut. Eminent 
and distinguished among mortals for great abilities, large acquirements and a virtuous 
character; a clear, strong, sedate mind; an accurate extensive acquaintance with 
law, and civil government; a happy talent of presiding ; clo^e application, and strict 
fidelity in the discharge of important truths ; no less than for his employments, by the 
voice of the people, in the chief offices of state, and at the head of the colony. Hav- 
ing served his generation, by the will of God, fell asleep, July 18th, Ann. Domini, 
1774, in the 75th year of his age. 



READING. 



Reading was incorporated in May, 1767. The township is said to 
have derived its name from Col. John Read,* one of its early and 
principal settlers. It is bounded north by Danbury, east by Newtown 
and Weston, south by Weston, and west by Ridgefield. Its length 
averages from east to west nearly 6£ miles, its breadth about 5 miles. 
The face of the township is characteristically diversified with hills and 



* His monument is in a small burying ground a little west of the town house. He 
died in 1786, aged 85. He had a park of 10 or 15 acres, in which he kept deer, up- 
wards of a mile noith of the town house. 



READING. 



395 



valleys, with a soil generally good. Agriculture is almost exclusively 
the business of the inhabitants, who live scattered about on their farms. 
The two principal roads through the town pass, one through the west- 
ern part, the other through the eastern part. There are four houses of 
worship, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, 1 Congregational, and I Baptist. 
The Episcopal church is situated in the eastern part of the town, on 
what is called Reading ridge. Perhaps the most compactly settled 
part is in the vicinity of this church, which is 15 miles n. w. from 
Bridgeport, and 8£ miles from Danbury court house. The town house, 
Methodist and Congregational churches, are on a cross road, upwards of 
two miles westerly from the Episcopal church. 




House in Heading, (formerly Gen. Putnam's Quarters.) 

During the Revolutionary war, in the winter of 1779, in order to 
cover the country adjoining the Sound, and to support the garrison at 
West Point in case of an attack, Maj. Gen. Putnam was stationed in 
Reading. The engraving above is a representation of the house used 
for his head-quarters. It is situated on the Norwalk and Danbury 
road, about 15 miles north of Norwalk, and 3 west from the Congrega- 
tional church. Putnam had under his orders Gen. Poor's brigade of 
New Hampshire, the two brigades of Connecticut, the corps of infan- 
try commanded by Hazen, and that of cavalry by Sheldon. 

" The troops, who had been badly fed, badly clothed, and worse paid, by brooding 
over their grievances in the leisure and inactivity of winter-quarters, began to think 
them intolerable. The Connecticut brigades formed a design of marching to Hart- 
ford, where the General Assembly was then in session, and of demanding redress at the 
point of the bayonet. Word having been brought to General Putnam, that the second 
brigade was under arms for this purpose, he mounted his horse, galloped to the can- 
tonment, and thus addressed them: ' My brave lads, whither are you going? Do 
you intend to desert your officers, and to invite the enemy to follow you into the coun- 
try ? Whose cause have you been lighting and suffering so long in — is it not your 
own ? Have you no property, no parents, wives or children ? You have behaved like 
men so far — all the world is full of your praises — and posterity will stand astonished 
at your deeds : but not if you spoii all at last. Don't you consider how much the 



39(5 READING. 

country is distressed by the war. and that your officers have not been better paid than 
yourselves < But we all expect better times, and that the country will do us ample 
justice. Let us all stand by one another, then, and fight it out like brave soldiers. 
Think what ashame it would be for Connecticut men to run away from their officers.' 
Alter the several regiments had received the General, as he rode along the line, with. 
drums heating, and presented arms, the sergeants who had then the command, 
brought the men to an order, in which position they continued while he was speaking. 
When he had done, he directed the acting major of brigade to give the word for them 
to shoulder, march to their regimental parades, and lodge arms; all which they ex- 
ecuted with promptitude and apparent good humor. One soldier, only, who had 
been the most active, was confined in the quarter-guard; from whence, at night, he 
attempted to make his escape. But the sentinel, who had also been in the mutiny, 
shot him dead on the spot, and thus the affair subsided." 

While the troops lay at Reading, two executions took place ; one 
was a soldier, who was shot for desertion — the other was a Mr. Jones, 
of Ridgefield, a royalist, who was hung as a spy; both suffered on the 
same day. These executions took place on Gallows Hill, a mile or 
more from Putnam's head-quarters. The scene which took place 
at the execution of these men, is described as shocking and bloody. 
The man on whom the duty of hangman devolved left the camp, and 
on the day of execution could not be found. A couple of boys, about 
the age of twelve years, were ordered by Gen. Putnam to perform the 
duties of the absconding hangman. The gallows was about twenty 
feet from the ground. Jones was compelled to ascend the ladder, and 
the rope around his neck was attached to the cross beam. Gen. Put- 
nam then ordered Jones to jump from the ladder. " No, Gen. Put- 
nam," said Jones, " I am innocent of the crime laid to my charge ; I 
shall not do it." Putnam then ordered the boys before mentioned to 
turn the ladder over. These boys were deeply affected with the try- 
ing scene ; they cried and sobbed loudly, and earnestly entreated to be 
excused from doing any thing on this distressing occasion. Putnam, 
drawing his sword, ordered them forward, and compelled them at the 
sword's point to obey his orders. The soldier that was shot for deser- 
tion, was but a youth of 16 or 17 years of age. Three balls were 
shot through his breast ; he fell on his face, but immediately turned 
over on his back ; a soldier then advanced, and putting the muzzle of 
his gun near the convulsive body of the youth, discharged its contents 
into his forehead. The body was then taken up and put into a coffin ; 
the soldiers had fired their pieces so near that they set the boy's clothes 
on fire, which continued burning. An officer with a drawn sword stood 
by, while every soldier of the three brigades, who were out on the occa- 
sion, was ordered to march by and look at the mangled remains.* The 
bones of this young man were dug up a few years since for anatomical 
purposes. They were known to be his from the fracture of the skull ; 
the bones however were of little or no use, for on exposure to the air 
they soon fell to pieces. 



* The particulars of the execution of these two persons, were derived from an aged 
inhabitant of Reading, who was present on the occasion, and stood but a few feet from 
Jones when he was executed. 



READING. 



397 



Joel Barlow, LL. D. was a native of this town. The following 
biographical sketch of his life is from Pease and Niles' Gazetteer of 
Connecticut : 

" He was born in or about the year 1755. His father, who was an independent far- 
mer, but in moderate circumstances, died whilst he was a youth, leaving him a small 
patrimony, scarcely sufficient to defray the expenses of a liberal education, which lie 
had contemplated. Having been placed in Dartmouth College in 1774, he was soon 
after removed from thence to Yale College, at New Haven, where he graduated in 
1778. The class into which he entered was remarkable for the great promise of tal- 
ent which many of its members disclosed, among whom Barlow always ranked con- 
spicuous. The late Asa Spalding and Uriah Tracy, his Excellency Oliver Wol- 
cott, Alexander Wolcott, Abraham Bishop and Josiah Meigs, were members of this 
class. He passed through the usual course of academic studies with great reputa- 
tion, and at the public commencement in 1778, delivered or recited an original poem, 
which was the first time he had appeared before the public in his poetical character. 
This effusion of his muse was soon after printed, and has been preserved in a collec- 
tion entitled ' American Poems.' Previously to this period, and whilst Barlow was 
in college, the Revolutionary war commenced, and the natural ardor and enthusiasm 
of his mind, stimulated by the pervading spirit of liberty which characterized the 
times, led him to take a deep interest in a contest in which both the cause of civil lib- 
erty and the dearest interests of his country were so intimately concerned. During 
the early period of the war, the militia of Connecticut constituted an important part 
of the army. Barlow had four brothers in the service; and more than once during 
vacations, he armed himself with a musket, and joined them in the ' bloody strife,' 
as a volunteer. It is said he was in the battle at White Plains. 

" Upon his leaving college, he commenced the study of law ; but, at the urgent soli- 
citation and recommendation of some of his friends, he was induced to abandon this 
situation, and to qualify himself for, and accept the appointment of chaplain to the 
army. Whilst in this situation, he wrote several poetical effusions, strongly marked 
with patriotic and liberal sentiments, and calculated to encourage and animate the ar- 
my, in various hardships, privations and difficulties with which they had to contend. 
And whilst in the army, he conceived, planned, and in part composed, the celebrated 
poem which he afterwards published, entitled the ' Vision of Columbus,' and which 
was subsequently enlarged into his great national poem, the 'Columbiad.' In 1781, he 
took the degree of A. M. at New Haven, on which occasion he delivered a poem, en- 
titled the ' Prospect of Peace,' which was principally embodied in the Vision of Colum- 
bus. About the same time, he married Miss Baldwin, of New Haven, a sister of 
Abraham Baldwin, for many years a distinguished member of Congress from Geor- 
gia. After the peace in 1783, Barlow being out of employment, resolved to resume 
the study of law, for which purpose he removed to Hartford, with the expectation, 
probably, of making it his residence for life. Whilst in this situation, to aid him in 
his finances, he, in connection with Elisha Babcock, established a weekly newspaper, 
called the ' American Mercury.' 

" In 1787, whilst engaged in this business, he published his ' Vision of Columbus, ' 
a patriotic and popular poem. It was dedicated to Louis XVI. and met with very 
flattering success, being reprinted in London within a few months ; it has since gone 
through a second edition in America, and one in Paris. About this period, in pursu- 
ance of the request of the General Association of the clergy of this State, he un- 
dertook the revision of Dr. Watts' version of the Psalms. His edition was published 
in 178(3, and comprised several devotional pieces of his own composing. 

" About the time of these publications, he disposed of his interest in the paper to 
Mr. Babcock, and opened a bookstore, the principal object of which was to effect the 
sale of his poem and edition of the Psalms. About this time, the Anarchiad was 
published at this place, in which Mr. Barlow is said to have taken a conspicuous part. 
On the 4th of July, 1787, and whilst the Convention which framed the Constitution of 
the United States was in session at Philadelphia, he delivered an oration to the Con- 
necticut Cincinnati. Not being satisfied with his prospects in his profession, the next 
year he embarked for England, as the agent of a land company, called the Ohio 
Company, from whence he soon proceeded to France. Whilst in France the Revo- 
lution commenced, which led Barlow to an intimate acquaintance with most of the 
leaders of the Republican party, and particularly with those which were afterwards 
denominated Girondists. His philanthrophy and enthusiasm in the cause of liberty 
led him to enter warmly into their plans, which received the support of his genius 
and political intelligence and experience. In 1791, he returned to England, and near 
the close of that year, published his ' Advice to Privileged Orders,' a work of solid 
merit, exposing in a forcible manner, the abuses and evils of the feudal governments 



393 



READING 



of Europe. In 1792, he published a small poem, entitled the ' Conspiracy of Kings.' 
From these publications, being of apolitical nature, and from his intimacy with the 
leaders of opposition, or friends of reform, in England, he had become very obnox- 
ious to the ministerial party. Near the close of the year 1792, he returned to France, 
as one of a committee of the London Constitutional Society, with an address from 
the society to the National ('(invention. He was received in France with great re- 
spect : and, soon alter his arrival, had conferred upon him the rights of a French cit- 
izen. The year following, he was employed, in connection with a deputation of the 
National Convention, to assist in organizing the territory of Savoy, as a department 
of i lie Republic. Whilst at Chamberry, in this territory, he wrote a political address 
to the people of Piedmont. In this place he amused himself in writing amockdidac- 

em, called ' Hasty Pudding.' From Savoy he returned to Paris, where he resi- 
ded for about three years. During this period,'he translated Volney's Ruins; being 
shocked at the atrocities of the Revolution, he withdrew from political affairs. 

" In 1795, he was appointed by President Washington consul at Algiers, with pow- 
ers to negotiate a treaty with the Dey, and to redeem all American prisoners held in 
slavery by any of the Barbary powers. He immediately set out upon this mission, and, 
crossing through Spain, arrived at Algiers, where he soon succeeded in negotiatinga 
treaty with the Dey, although surrounded with numerous difficulties. Early the suc- 
ceed ins year, he negotiated a similar treaty with Tripoli, and liberated all the Amer- 
ican prisoners held in captivity. In 1797, he resigned his consulship and returned to 
Paris; and having engaged in some commercial pursuits or speculations, was very 
successful, and accumulated a handsome fortune. In the rupture which took place 
between France and the United States, Barlow exerted his influence and talents to 
promote an amicable adjustment ; for which end he addressed a letter to the people of 
the United States, upon the measures of the party then in power. This was soon fol- 
lowed by another, which was more abstract, and examined, in that clear and forcible 
manner peculiar to its author, various political topics, and particularly certain estab- 
lished principles of maritime law and the rights of neutrals. His views were novel 
and bold, and founded upon the principles of abstract right, which he regarded as the 
only true policy. In 1805, after an absence of seventeen years from his native coun- 
try, Barlow resolved upon revisiting the scenes of his youth. He accordingly sold 
his real estate in France, which he had regarded as his adopted country, as long as it 
continued the country of liberty. After visiting different parts of the country, he 
purchased him a delightful situation in the vicinity of Georgetown, within the limits 
of the district of Columbia. Whilst in this situation, he enjoyed the society, friend- 
ship and esteem of Mr. Jefferson, then President of the United States ; and of the 
other important functionaries, and characters of distinction, who were residents, or 
engaged in public employments at the seat of government. In 1806, he published a 
prospectus of a national institution, or university : to establish which, a bill was in- 
troduced into the Senate; it met with considerable opposition ; was referred to a select 
committee, who never reported, and thus this great national object ended. He now 
devoted his attention to the revision and improvement of his favorite poem ; and in 
1808, the Columbiad made its appearance, in the most magnificent volume which ever 
issued from an American press. The high price of this edition prevented its circu- 
lation ; and the subsequent year, it was reprinted in two volumes. The same year, 
it was republished in London, in an elegant royal 8vo. The Columbiad has been at- 
tacked in the severest manner, by critics of every rank ; but Barlow, relying upon the 
solid merits of the poem, and the impartial reward of posterity, either treated them 
with neglect or contempt. The Columbiad is an epic poem, aboundingin philosophi- 
cal discussion, and in enlarged political and national views. It was expanded from 
the Vision of Columbus, which it comprises, and is the offspring of the labor of half 
a life. It is a great national work, and cannot fail of going down to posterity, to the 
latest generation. The name of Barlow will long be known and revered, when all 
those who have attempted to asperse it will be forgotten. After the publication of his 
Columbiad, he was employed in collecting materials for a general history of the Uni- 
ted States, a work which he had long meditated ; but whilst thus occupied, in 1811, he 
was appointed minister plenipotentiary to the French government; whereupon he 
soon embarked again for France, clothed with authority and distinguished honors. 
He applied himself with great diligence to the duties of his new station, and made 

exertion to elfect the negotiation of a treaty of commerce, and indemnity for 
spoliation. In October, 1812. he was invited to a conference with the Emperor at 
Wilna. He immediately set off upon this mission, and traveled day and night, ex- 
posed to the severe weather of a northern climate; subject to great fatigue, and ac- 
commodations at the public inns being the most wretched, scarcely being able to obtain 
a wholesome meal, his constitution was unable to withstand these severe trials; he 
sunk into a state of debility, from which he never recovered. He died December 
22d, 1812, at Zarnawica, an obscure village of Poland, in the neighborhood of Cra- 



RIDGEFIELD. 399 

cow. America has produced few men, more justly deserving of immortality than 
Barlow ; and none, it is believed, who have made their title to it more sure. 1 1 1 • lived 
in an eventful period, and acted a conspicuous part in both hemispheres ; and as a 
poet, a man of science, a politician, a philosopher and philanthrophist, his name will 
long be revered by the friends of civil liberty and of science, throughout the civilized 
world." 



RIDGEFIELD. 



The tract of land now Ridgefield, was called by the Indians Cau- 
datowa, a word signifying high land, from its elevated situation afford- 
ing a prospect of Long Island for forty miles. In 1708, John Belden, 
Samuel Keeler, Matthew Seymour, Matthias St. John, and other in- 
habitants of Norwalk, to the number of twenty five, purchased a large 
tract between that town and Danbury. The purchase was made of 
Catoonah, the chief sachem, and other Indians. The deed is dated the 
30th of September, 1708, and at the ensuing session of the General 
Assembly, it was incorpoaated as a town, by the name of Ridgefield. 

This township is of an oblong shape, about 13 miles in length from 
north to south, with an average breadth of about three miles. It is boun- 
ded north by New Fairfield, west by the state of New York, east by 
Danbury and Reading, and south by Wilton. The face of the town- 
ship is characterized by a succession of ridges and valleys, running north- 
erly and southerly towards Long Island sound. On some of these ridges 
the observer has a fine prospect of the Sound, although situated at a 
distance of fourteen miles ; likewise the East and West Rocks, in New 
Haven, and the Highlands on the Hudson. The soil of the township is 
good for grain and grass. There are two societies or parishes, Ridge- 
field and Ridgebury. Ridgebury comprises the north part of the town. 
In the first society, (Ridgefield,) there is a pleasant village on one street, 
within the limits of about a mile, of about 60 dwelling houses, 3 
churches, 1 Congregational, 1 Episcopal, and 1 Methodist. There is 
an extensive carriage factory in the village ; also one for manufacturing 
cabinet furniture. There are some beds of limestone in the town. 
Ridgebury society is a very long but narrow tract of land, gradually di- 
minishing in width to the north, the extreme end of which is but about 
half a mile in width. The Rev. Samuel Camp, the first minister in 
Ridgebury, was ordained in January, 1769, the church being organized 
at the same time. 

The place represented in the view on the next page is perhaps 80 rods 
north of the Episcopal church in Ridgefield, at the north end of the vil- 
lage, on the road to Danbury. It was at this spot that the Americans, 
under Gen. Arnold, made a stand against the British forces, as they came 
down from Danbury. The house standing on the right, and fronting the 
south, is upwards of one hundred years old. At the settlement of the 
town, the proprietors gave Mr. Stebbins, the ancestor of the late Mr. 
Stebbins, who occupied the house, half an acre of land, in order to in- 
duce him to build upon it. This house has remained in possession of 
the family ever since. 



400 



RIDGEFIELD. 




View in Ridgefield. 

In order to stop the advance of the British, a barricade was thrown 
across the street from Mr. Stebbins' house, extending to the place 
where the house opposite is now built. The place where Gen. Ar- 
nold's horse was shot, and where he killed the British soldier who was 
advancing towards him, is seen on the left of the engraving; the man 
and boy are seen standing on the precise spot. Many of the dead and 
wounded were carried into the house of Mr. Stebbins, and the floors 
were literally covered with blood ; a number of the wounded died in 
the house. Fifteen of the British and fifteen Americans were buried 
near the first house now standing south of Mr. Stebbins'. Gen. Woos- 
ter received his mortal wound about one mile and a half north, and 
Col. Gould was killed about eighty rods east of the house ; his body 
was carried to Fairfield. The British encamped over night on the 
high ground, nearly a mile south of the Congregational church, and 
when they left the place in the morning, they fired a house near by, 
which was supposed to be a signal for their shipping, lying on the coast 
near the Norwalk islands. 

Sarah Bishop, the hermitess, resided just over the boundary line of 
Ridgefield, in the state of New York. She lived on Long Island at 
the time of the Revolutionary war. Her father's house was burnt by 
the British, and she was cruelly treated by a British officer. She then 
left society and wandered among the mountains near this part of the 
state ; she found a kind of cave near Ridgefield, where she resided till 
about the time of her death, which took place in 1810. She some- 
times came down to Ridgefield to attend public worship on the Sab- 
bath. It is said that the wild animals were so accustomed to see her, 
that they were not afraid of her presence. The following account of 
a visit to this hermitess, is taken from a newspaper printed at Pough- 
keepsie, in 1804. 



SHERMAN. 401 

" Yesterday I went in the company of two Capt. Smiths of this town, (N. Y.) to the 
mountain, to visit the hermitage. As you pass the southern and elevated ridge of the 
mountain, and begin to descend the southei u sleep, you meet with a perpendicular de- 
scent of a rock, in the front of which is this cave. At the foot of this rock is a gentle 
descent of rich and fertile ground, extending about ten rods, when it instantly forms a 
frightful precipice, descending half a mile to the pond called Long Pond. In the front 
of the rock, on the north, where the cave is, and level with the ground, there appears 
a large frustrum of the rock, of a double fathom in size, thrown out by some unknown 
convulsion of nature, and lying in the front of the cavity from which it was rent, 
partly enclosing the mouth, and forming a room : the rock is left entire above, and 
forms the roof of this humble mansion. This cavity is the habitation of the hermitess, 
in which she has passed the best of her years, excluded from all society; she keeps 
no domestic animal, not even fowl, cat, 01 dog. Her little plantation, consisting of 
half an acre, is cleared of its wood, and reduced to grass, where she has raised a few 
peach trees, and yearly plants, a few hills of beans, cucumbers, and potatoes; the 
whole is surrounded with a luxuriant grape vine, which overspreads the surrounding 
wood, and is very productive. On the opposite side of this little tenement, is a fine 
fountain of excellent water; at this fountain we found the wonderful woman, whose 
appearance it is a little difficult to describe: indeed, like nature in its first state, she 
was without form. Her dress appeared little else than one confused and shapeless 
mass of rags, patched together without any order, which obscured all human shape, 
excepting her head, which was clothed with a luxuriancy of lank grey hair depending 
on every side, as time had formed it, without any covering or ornament. When she 
discovered our approach, she exhibited the appearance of a wild and timid animal; 
she started and hastened to her cave, which she entered, and barricaded the entrance 
with old shells, pulled from the decayed trees. We approached this humble habita- 
tion, and after some conversation with its inmate, obtained liberty to remove the palli- 
sadoes and look in ; for we were not able to enter, the room being only sufficient to ac- 
commodate one person. We saw no utensil, either for labor or cookery, save an old 
pewter basin and a gourd shell, no bed but the solid rock, unless it were a few old rags, 
scattered here and there; no bed clothes of any kind, not the least appearance of food 
or fire. She had, indeed, a place in one coiner of her cell, where a fire had at some 
time been kindied, but it did not appear there had been one for some months. To con- 
firm this, a gentleman says he passed her cell five or six days after the great fall of 
snow in the beginning of March, that she had no fire then, and had not been out of 
her cave since the snow had fallen. How she subsists during the severe season, is 
yet a mystery ; she says she eats but little flesh of any kind ; in the summer she lives 
on berries, nuts, and roots. We conversed with her for some time, found her to be of 
a sound mind, a religious turn of thought, and entirely happy in her situation ; of this 
she has given repeated proofs by refusing to quit this dreary abode. She keeps a 
Bible with her, and says she takes much satisfaction, and spent much time in read- 
ing it." 



SHERMAN. 



Sherman, originally the north part of New Fairfield, was incorpora- 
ted as a town in 1802. It is bounded north by Kent, west by the state 
of New York, east by New Milford, and south by New Fairfield. It 
exceeds nine miles in length from north to south, and has an average 
breadth of only between two and three miles. " Its surface is uneven, 
being characterized by elevated and lofty hills, and deep and extensive 
valleys. The soil is various, according to the local situation of the 
lands, but is generally a gravelly loam. The hills, which are not suf- 
fered to remain for the growth of timber, afford grazing ; and the vales 
(most of which are warm and fertile,) are well adapted to the cultiva- 
tion of wheat, rye, and Indian corn, considerable quantities of which 
are annually raised. Iron ore, to some extent, has been discovered in 
this town. The central part of the town is 60 miles s. w. from Hart- 
ford, and about 13 miles north of Danbury. 

The population of the town in 1810 was 949; in 1830 it was 947. 

51 



402 STAMFOltn 



STAMFORD. 



The Indian name of Stamford was Rippoivams. It was purchased 
of the Indians hy Capt. Nathaniel Tinner, agent for New Haven, of 
Ponus, sagamore of Toquamshe, and of fVuscussue, sagamore of Shi- 
pan. A reservation of planting ground was made for the Indians. 
Turner gave for the purchase "twelve coats, twelve hoes, twelve hatch- 
ets, twelve knives, two kettles, and four fathom of white wampum." A 
part or the whole of this tract was purchased of New Haven by some 
of the inhabitants of VVethersfield, for thirty pounds sterling. The pur- 
chasers agreed to join the New Haven colony, in their form of govern- 
ment. Twenty men agreed to settle here by the last of November, 
1641 ; but before the end of the year, there were thirty or forty fami- 
lies established. "The inhabitants were, however, frequently alarmed 
by the threatenings of invasion, both from the Indians and the Dutch ; 
and for a considerable time were at great expense in fortifying and 
guarding themselves ; and once, in 1653, their troubles became so 
great, that they were on the point of a revolt, but were quieted by the 
prudent measures of the colony." 

Stamford is bounded on the northwest by the state of New York, on- 
the west by Greenwich, on the east by Darien and New Canaan, and 
on the south by Long Island sound. Its mean length from north to 
south is upwards of nine and a half miles, and its average breadth be- 
tween three and four. This is a pleasant and fertile township, rich in 
the resources of agricultural opulence, abounding in the means of sub- 
sistence, with the advantages of a ready and convenient market. The 
surface of the town is undulating, exhibiting a pleasant diversity of mod- 
erate hills and valleys. The soil is a rich gravelly loam, adapted both 
to tillage and grazing. 

C oft 

The view of Stamford, (see the next page,) was taken from a rocky 
eminence to the southwest, which rises almost immediately from the mill 
stream seen in the engraving, passing to the south. The iron foundery, 
which is very extensive, is seen on the left. The spire seen near the cen- 
ter of the print is that of the Congregational church ; that seen on the 
extreme right is that of the Episcopal church. Besides these churches, 
there are two others in the borough, one for the Baptists, the other for 
the Methodists. Between the Congregational and Episcopal churchse, 
is seen the mast of a sloop. A canal from the sea was excavated to this 
point in 1834. This canal is 180 rods in length, thirty feet in width, 
and seven in depth; the expense of its construction, including three 
buildings for stores, was 7,000 dollars. There are in the limits of the 
borough 10 or 12 stores, 1 iron foundery, one rolling mill, one wire fac- 
tory, and two large boot and shoe manufactories ; a bank, with a capital 
of 100,000 dollars, chartered in 1834. The post office in this place is 
a distributing office. It is 8 miles westward of Norwalk, 8 from Saw- 
pitts, and 5 from Horseneck church in Greenwich. The number of in- 
habitants in the boroudi is about seven hundred. 



STAMFORD 



403 




Southwestern view of the Borough of Stamford. 

The harbor at the mouth of Mill river has, at ordinary tides, upwards 
of eight feet of water. There are two uncommonly interesting spots 
bordering the harbor ; that on the western side is called the South 
Field, a rich and beautiful farm ; the other is S.hipan Point. This is 
an elegant and fertile piece of ground. The surface slopes in every di- 
rection, and is encircled by a collection of fine scenery. 



The Hon. Abraham Davenport, for a long period one of the Coun- 
cillors of the colony, and afterwards of the slate of Connecticut, was a 
resident of this town. He was the son of the Rev. John Davenport, 
the second minister of Stamford, and grandson of the Rev. John Dav- 
enport, the father of 3New Haven colony. He was distinguished for a 
vigorous understanding, uncommon firmness of mind, and Christian in- 
tegrity of character. Two instances (says Dr. Dvvight) of Colonel Dav- 
enport's firmness of mind deserve to be mentioned. 

" The 19th of May, 1780, was a remarkable dark day. Candles were lighted in ma- 
ny houses; the birds were silent and disappeared, and the fowls retired to roost. The 
legislature of Connecticut was then in sessional Hartford. A very general opinion 
prevailed, that the day of judgment was ai hand. The House of Representatives, be- 
ing unable to transact their business, adjourned. A proposal to adjourn the Council 
was under consideration. When the opinion of Colonel Davenport was asked, he an- 
swered, ' I am against an adjournment. The day of judgment is either approaching, 
or il is not. If it is not, there is no cause for an adjournment: if it is, 1 choose to be 
found doing my duty. I wish therefore that candles may be brought.' 

" The other instance took place at Danbury, at the Court of Common Pleas, of 
which he was chief justice. This venerable man, after he was struck with death, 
heard a considerable part of a trial, gave the charge to the jury, and took notice of an 
article in the testimony winch had escaped the attention of the counsel on both sides. 
He then retired from the bench, and was suon alter found dead in his bed." 



[From the Connecticut Courant, No. 1596.] Hartford, May 24ih, 1798. 

As a report unfavorable to the citizens of Stamford has for some days past been in 
circulation, we publish the following extract of a letter from a respectable gentleman 



404 



STRATFORD 



in that town, to a member of the legislature, now in session in this city, dated the 18th 
inst., in order that the public may have a true statement of the nefarious business. 

" The present ferment in Stamford, caused by some unlucky boys firing a cannon, 
and making a bonfire, in North Stamford, I suppose will reach Hartford; and that, 
perhaps in an aggravated point of light. The truth of the matter is this: some young 
chaps, on fast-day morning, collected, and burnt the President in effigy, as some say; 
but as the fracas took place about sunrise, no one can tell what was burnt : the perpe- 
trations, however, were committed by persons not inhabitants of Stamford." 



The ancient burying ground in Stamford was formerly in the center 

of the place. The monuments are now removed to a yard northward 

of the village. The following is copied from a tabular monument, one 

of those that were removed. 

The Rev. Iohn Davenport, departed this life on the 5th February, 
A. D. 1730-1, and in the 36th of his ministry. 



At honorary 

nor dare disturb 

of Reverend 

None but 

the sacred 

or those 

heavenly 

guides, 

may to 

resort. 




distance keep, 
the peaceful sleep 
Davenport. 

his sons, 
tribes ; 
whom 
Wisdom 

his URN 



Religion, while he dwelt below, 

Its sacred influence on him shed; 
Learning and Grace adorned his brow, 

And round their balmy odors spread. 
Unfading honors shall his tomb surround, 

To guard and wait the Prophet's sleeping clay, 
Till the last trumpet raise him from the ground, 

To join the triumphs of th' important Day. 



STRATFORD. 

The original Indian name of Stratford was Cupheag. It was pur- 
chased by Mr. Fairchild in 1639, and settlements were commenced 
at the same time. Mr. Fairchild came directly from England, and was 
the first person vested with civil authority in the town. The first prin- 
cipal persons in the town were John and William Eustice, and Samuel 
Hawley, who were from Roxbury, and Joseph Judson and Timothy 
Wilcoxson, who were from Concord, Massachusetts. A few years 
from the commencement of the settlement, Mr. John Birdsey removed 
from Milford, and became a man of eminence, both in the town and 
church. There were also several of the chief planters from Boston, 
and a number by the name of Welles, from Wethersfield. " Mr. 
Adam Blackmao, who had been Episcopally ordained in England, and 



STRATFORD. 405 

a preacher of some note, first at Leicester and afterwards at Derby- 
shire, was their minister, and one of the first planters. It is said that 
he was followed by a number of the faithful, into this country, to whom 
he was so dear that they said unto him, in the language of Ruth, ' In- 
treat us not to leave thee, for whither thou goest we will go ; thy peo- 
ple shall be our people, and thy God our God.' " 

The first settlers appear to have located themselves about 150 rods 
south of the Episcopal church, the first chimney being erected near 
this spot; it was taken down about two years since. The first burying 
ground was near this spot. Mr. William Judson, one of the first set- 
tlers, came into Stratford in 1633. He lived at the southwest corner of 
Meeting-house hill or green, in a house constructed of stone. Mr. Ab- 
ner Judson, his descendant, lives on the same spot, in a house which has 
stood 113 years, and is still in good repair. 

The whole township, which formerly was quite extensive, was pur- 
chased of the natives. The purchase was however not completed till 
1672. There was a reservation of good lands for the improvement of 
the Indians, at Pughquonnuck or Pequannock, Golden hill, and at a 
place called Coram, in Huntington. 

Stratford is now much circumscribed in limits. Its average length 
is about six miles from north to south, and its breadth from east to 
west is between two and three miles. It is bounded north by Hunting- 
ton, west by Trumbull and Bridgeport, east by the Housatonic, dividing 
it from Milford, and south by Long Island sound. The central part 
of the town is 13 miles s. w. from New Haven. The township is 
mostly level and free from stone, and there is a very rich alluvial tract 
of meadows on the river and harbor. The principal street in the town 
is one mile in length, running north and south, parallel to the Housa- 
tonic ; it is level, pleasant, and ornamented with shade trees. On this 
street, and others, in the immediate vicinity, there are about 200 dwell- 
ing houses, and four houses for public worship, viz. 1 Congregational, 
1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, 1 Baptist, and 1 Universalist now erecting. 
The latitude of the place, as determined by the Rev. James H. Linsley, 
is 41° 11' 7"; longitude, 73° 8' 45". 

The following is a southwest view of the Episcopal church and the 
Academy, situated in the central part of the village. This church was 
erected more than 90 years since, and is the oldest Episcopal church 
now standing in the state. The Academy is seen on the right of the 
print, in the distance. It stands on a gentle elevation of ground, called 
Meeting-house hill,* and is surrounded by a row of poplars. The 
Episcopal society in this town is the oldest in the state. The follow- 
ing account of its establishment is from Dr. Trumbull's History of 
Connecticut. 

" During the terra of about seventy years from the settlement of Connecticut, the 
Congregational had been the only mode of worship, in the colony. But the society 
for propagating the gospel in foreign parts, in 1704, fixed the Reverend Mr. Muirson 
as a missionary at Rye. Some of the people at Stratford had been educated in the 

* The Congregational church stood on this elevation till it was struck by lightning, 
and burnt down. 



406 



STRATFORD 




Southwest view of the Episcopal Church, Stratford. 

church of England mode of worship and administering of the ordinances, and others 
were not pleased with the rigid doctrines and discipline of the New England churches, 
and they made an earnest application to Mr. Muirson to make a visit at Stratford, and 
preach and baptize among them. About the year 170G, upon their invitation, he came 
to Stratford, accompanied with Colonel Healhcote, a gentleman zealously engaged 
in promoting the Episcopal church. The ministers and people, in that and the adja- 
cent towns, it seerss, were alarmed at his coming, and took pains to prevent their 
neighbors and families from hearing him. However the novelty of the affair, and 
other circumstances, brought together a considerable assembly: and Mr. Muirson 
baptized five and twenty persons, principally adults. This was the first step towards 
introducing the church worship into this colony. In April, 1707, he made another 
visit to Stratford. Colonel Heathcote was pleased to honor him with his company, 
as he had done before. He preached, at this time, at Fairfield as well as Stratford; 
and in both towns baptized a number of children and adult persons. Eoth the magis- 
trates and ministers opposed the introduction of Episcopacy, and advised the people 
not to attend the preaching of the church missionaries; but the opposition only in- 
creased the zeal of the church people. Mr. Muirson, after this, made several journeys 
to Connecticut, and itinerated among the people. But there was no missionary, from 
the society, fixed in Connecticut, until the year 1722, when Mr. Pigot was appointed 
missionary at Stratford. The churchmen at first, in that town, consisted of about fif- 
teen families, among whom were a few husbandmen, but much the greatest number 
were tradesmen, who had been born in England, and came and settled there. Some of 
their neighbors joined them, so that Mr. Pigot had twenty communicants, and about a 
hundred and fifty hearers. In 1723, Christ Church in Stratford was founded, and the 
Rev. Mr. Johnson, afterwards Dr. Johnson, was appointed to succeed Mr. Pigot." 

" The Rev. Dr. Johnson," says Dr. Dwight, " may be considered 
as the father of Episcopacy in Connecticut, and perhaps, as the most 
distinguished clergyman of that description, who has been settled within 
its limits. This gentleman was born at Guilford in 1696; was educa- 
ted at Yale College, and received the degree of A. B. in 1714. In 
1716 he was chosen tutor, and continued in that ofiice three years. In 
1720, he was ordained minister of the Presbyterian church in West 
Haven. In 1723, he was Episcopally ordained in London ; and was 
afterwards settled at Stratford. In 1754, he was chosen president of 
King's College in the city of New York, and continued in this office 



S T K A. T F K D . 407 

for nine years. In 1763, he resigned the presidency, and returning to 
Stratford, resumed the charge of his congregation. He died in 1772, 
at the age of seventy six. Dr. Johnson was a man of talents and learn- 
ing, of dignified manners and high reputation. He published a He- 
brew grammar, a compendium of logic, and another of ethics. The 
University of Oxford conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Di- 
vinity. His life was written by Dr. Chandler, the Episcopal minister 
of Elizabethtown." 

The following is the inscription on his monument in the Episcopal 
burying ground, a few rods northeast of the church. 

M. S. Samuelis Johnson, D. D. Collegii Regalis Novi Eboraci Pr^esidis primi et 
hujus Ecclesise nuper Rectoris. Natus Die 14to. Octob. 16D6, Obit. 6to. Jan. 1772. 

If decent dignity and modest mein, 

The cheerful heart, and countenance serene; 

If pure religion and unsullied truth, 

His age's solace, and his search in youth ; 

If piety in all the paths he trod, 

Still rising vigorous to his Lord and God; 

If charity thro' all the race he ran, 

Still willing well, and doing good to man ; 

If Learning, free from pedantry and pride ; 

If Faith and virtue, walking side by side; 

If well to mark his being's aim and end, 

To shine thro' life a husband, father, friend ; 

If these ambition in thy soul can raise, 

Excite thy reverence or demand thy praise; 

Reader, ere yet thou quit this earthiy scene, 

Revere his name, and be what he has been. 

Myles Cooper. 

The house in which Dr. Johnson resided is still standing, about 40 
rods northwest of the Episcopal church. Mr. Winslow succeeded Dr. 
Johnson in the ministry, then Mr. Kneeland, who was succeeded by 
Mr. Sayre. The Rev. Ashbel Baldwin was the next minister : he 
commenced his labors here in 1792, and continued rector of this church 
thirty nine years. Mr. Baldwin, who is still living, was born in Litch- 
field, in 1757, and was educated at Yale College. He was ordained 
deacon at Middletown, August 3d, 1785, by Bishop Seabury. He, 
with four others, were ordained at the same time, being the first Prot- 
estant Episcopal ordination in this country. 



Gen. David Wooster was a native of this town, and was born in 
1711. He was a brave and good officer, an ardent patriot, and in his 
various public and private relations, sustained a character distinguished 
for integrity, benevolence, and virtue. He was mortally wounded in a 
skirmish with the British troops, at the time of their incursion to Dan- 
bury, in 1777. The following notice of Gen. Wooster, is from the 
Connecticut Journal of May 14th, 1777. 

" Major General Wooster was born in Stratford, in this state, on the 2d of March, 
A. D. 1710 — 11 ; was educated at Yale College, where he was graduated in the year 
1738. Soon after the Spanish war broke out in 1739, he was employed, first as lieu- 
tenant, and then as captain, of the armed vessel built by this colony for a Guarda 
Coasta. After this, he engaged in the military service of this country, and was a cap- 
tain in Col. Burr's regiment, in the expedition against Louisbnrg, in 1715. Alter the 
reduction of that place, he was sent to France, with a part of the prisoners taken there, 
and from thence went to England, where he received the honor of a captaincy on the 



408 



TRUMBULL, 



establishment, in Sir William Pepperell's regiment. During the peace which soon 
followed, he received his hall' pay, and was chiefly employed in his private affairs. 
When the war with France was renewed in 1755, he was soon thought of as a gen- 
tleman qualified for a higher sphere of command, and served his country as colonel, 
and commandant of a brigade to the end of the war. 

" From the first rise of the present controversy with Great Britain, in 1764, though 
his interest as a half pa}' officer, might have apologized for him, if he had observed a 
perfect neutrality ; yet so fully convinced was he of the ruinous measures of the Brit- 
ish court, and so jealous was he for his country's rights, that regardless of his private 
interests, he took an open and decisive part, and avowedly espoused the cause of Ame- 
rica, and persisted in that line ofconduct to the day of his death. As soon as hostili- 
ties were commenced in the Lexington battle, the General Assembly of this colony 
set about raising an army, and Col. Wooster, from his approved abilities, well known 
courage, and great experience, was appointed to the chief command. The same sum- 
mer he was appointed a brigadier general in the continental service. Honored with 
these commissions, he first commanded the troops sent to guard New York, where is 
was expected that a part of the British army which came over in 1775 would land. 
In the latter part of that campaign, he, with his troops, went into Canada, and assisted 
much in the reduction of St. John's, Montreal, &c. and after Gen. Montgomery's 
death, had the chief command in that province. He returned home in the summer 
of 1776, and not long after was appointed first major general of the militia of this 
state. He had been out the whole of the last winter, at the head of a body of men 
raised by this state for its own security, and was but lately returned ; when on Satur- 
day, the 26th ult. he received the news that the enemy, in a large body, had landed at 
Compo. He immediately set off for Fairfield, leaving orders for the militia to be 
mustered and sent forward as fast as possible. When he arrived at Fairfield, finding 
Gen. Silliman had marched in pursuit of the enemy with the troops then collected, he 
followed on with all expedition, and at Reading overtook Gen. Silliman, with the 
small body of militia with him, of which he of course took the command, and pro- 
ceeded that same evening to the village of Bethel. Here it was determined to divide 
the troops, and part were sent off under Generals Arnold and Silliman, the rest 
remained with General Wooster, and them he led by the route of Danbury, in pursuit 
of the enemy, whom he overtook on the Sabbath, about 4 o'clock, near Ridgefield. 
Observing a part of the enemy who seemed to be detached from the main body, he 
determined to attack them, though the number of his men was less than two hundred ; 
he accordingly led them on himself with great spirit and resolution, ordering them to 
follow him. But being unexperienced militia, and the enemy having several field 
pieces, our men, after doing considerable execution, were broken and gave way. 
The General was rallying them to renew the attack, when he received the fatal 
wound. A musket ball, from the distance of 50 rods, took him obliquely in the back, 
broke his back bone, lodged within him, and never could be found. He was removed 
from the field, had his wound dressed by Doct. Turner, and was then conveyed back 
to Danbury, where all possible care was taken of him. The surgeons were from the 
first sensible of the danger of the case, and informed the General of their apprehen- 
sions, which he heard with the greatest composure. 

" The danger soon became more apparent, his whole lower parts became insensible, 
and a mortification, it is thought, began very early. However, he lived till Friday, 
the 2d of May, and then with great composure and resignation, expired. It was de- 
signed to bring his remains to New Haven, to be interred here, but this was found im- 
possible, and therefore they were interred at Danbury." 



TRUMBULL. 



Trumbull, formerly North Stratford, originally belonged to Strat- 
ford. It was incorporated as a town in 1798. It is bounded north by 
Monroe, east by Huntington and Stratford, south by Bridgeport, and 
west by Weston. Its average length is about five miles, and its 
breadth may average four and a half miles. The central part of the 
town is about five miles north from the city of Bridgeport. 

The township is uneven, diversified with hills and valleys, and the 
prevailing character of the soil is a gravelly loam, which is considerably 



WESTON. 409 

productive. The lands are tolerably well adapted to the culture of 
grass, and to grazing. The township is centrally intersected by the Pe- 
quannock, a small stream, which discharges its waters into Bridgeport 
harbor. There are 4 houses of worship in the town, 2 Episcopal, 1 
Congregational, and 1 Methodist. The inhabitants are generally far- 
mers. The population in 1810 was 1,241 ; in 1830, it was 1,242. 

In the north part of Trumbull, there is an elevated hill, called Tam- 
tashua Hill: it is the first land seen from the ocean when on this part 
of the coast. 



[From the Connecticut Journal, No. 517.] North Stratford, Aug. 28th, 1777. 

On the 25th instant died in this place, Mrs. Hannah Henman, aged 99 years. She 
was a person of good understanding, strict religion, solid piety, and maintained a 
firm and unshaken hope in the merits of Christ to the end. And what is remarkable 
concerning her exit ourof the world, she died the very day on which she was 99 years 
of age, of which she had a premonition near 20 years before her death, in a dream or 
vision ; a venerable comely person, whom she aftei wards used to call her guardian an- 
gel, and whom she had seen once before, appeared to her, and asked her age; she told 
him : upon which he replied, you will not live to an hundred years, but almost ; you 
will live to be 99, and then die. She often mentioned this to her friends and neigh- 
bors, and was so confidently persuaded of the truth of it, that she would frequently 
count upon it how many years she had to live. And there are scores of persons now 
living in the parish, who have often heard her say, that she should die at 99, on her 
birth day, old style. About a fortnight before her decease, she enquired of her son, 
landlord John Henman, at whose house she died, the day of the month ; and again 
repeated to the family that she had just so many days to live, which accordingly hap- 
pened on her very birth day, as it is called. The great age this person arrived to, to- 
gether with those circumstances respecting the time of her death, are so very extraor- 
dinary, that it was thought proper to communicate them to the public. 



WESTON. 



Weston, originally the parishes of Norfield and North Fairfield in 
the town of Fairfield, was incorporated as a town in 1787. The town 
appears to have been first settled in 1738. It is bounded n. by Read- 
ing, e. by Trumbull and Monroe, s. by Fairfield and Westport, and w. 
by Wilton. It averages upwards of 8 miles in length from east to 
west, and 5 in breadth. The surface of the township is uneven and 
hilly, and the soil a gravelly loam. Agriculture is the principal busi- 
ness of the inhabitants. 

The following is a southwestern view of the Congregational church, 
(erected in 1835,) and the Academy, which is possessed of a fund that 
renders it a free school. For this the town is indebted to Mr. Samuel 
Staples, who also gave a number of acres of land in the vicinity for the 
benefit of the school. This place is the eastern part of Weston, nine 
miles from Bridgeport. There are 5 houses of worship in the town, 2 
Congregational, 1 Baptist, 1 Episcopal, and 1 Methodist. The first 
Methodist church built in New England was erected in this town. The 
first Methodist society in New England was formed by the Rev. Jesse 
Lee, Sept. 26th, 1789, it is believed at Bridgeport. The church men- 
tioned above, was known by the name of " Lee's Chapel." 

52 



410 



WEST 1' O B T . 




Congregational Church and the Academy, Weston. 

From the Connecticut Journal, December 24th, 1807. 
Remarkable Phenomenon. — On Monday the 14th inst., at about the break of day, or 
a little after, the weather being moderate, calm, and the atmosphere somewhat cloudy 
and foggy, a meteor or fire ball, passing from a northern point, disploded over the west- 
ern part of this State, with a tremendous report. At the same time several pieces of 
stony substance fell to the earth in Fairfield county. One mass was driven against a 
rock and dashed in small pieces, a peck of which remained on the spot. About three 
miles distant, in the town of Weston, another large piece fell upon the earth, of which 
a mass of about thirty pounds weight remains entire, and was exhibited the same day 
at town meeting. A small mass has been sent to Yale College, and examined by a 
number of "entlemen. It was immediately perceived by Professor Silliman to con- 
tain a mctaf, and on presenting it to a magnet a powerful attraction) proved it to be 
iron. This is, we believe, the first instance in the United States, in which the sub- 
stance of this species of meteor has been found on the earth, though it has often been 
found in Europe. Fortunately the facts respecting this wonderful phenomenon, are 
capable of being ascertained and verified by precision, and an investigation will, we 
understand, be commenced for the purpose. "We request gentlemen who may have 
observed it in distant parts of the Stale, to favor the public with their observations. It 
is desirable to ascertain the course or direction of the meteor; the point of compass in 
which it appeared in different places; the general appearance and velocity; the man- 
ner of its explosion, and the time between the explosion and the report. 



WESTPORT. 

Wf.stpout was incorporated as a town in 1S35. It was formed from 
the towns of Fairfield, Norwalk and Weston. Saugattick river passes 
through this town from north to south, dividing it into two nearly equal 
parts. The soil is generally of an excellent quality. The township is 
hounded n. by Weston and Wilton, e. by Fairfield, s. by the waters 
of Long Island sound, and w. by Norwalk. It is about five miles in 
length from north to south, and averages about three and a half miles 
in width. The population at this time is estimated to be 1,300. 



WESTPOHT, 



•111 




View in Westport, [central part.) 

The above shows the appearance of the central part of Westport, as 
it is seen 10 or 12 rods east from the bridge over the Saugatuck river. 
The village is built on both sides of the river, and was formerly called 
Saugatuck. It is connected by the bridge seen in the engraving, which 
is about 40 rods in length, and between two and three miles from the 
sea. The building seen in the distance with a tower, on a rocky emi- 
nence, is the Episcopal church, recently erected. The Congregational 
church is on the elevated ground on the eastern side of the Saugatuck ; 
the two churches are about half a mile apart. There is a Methodist 
church about two miles above the bridge. These three are all the 
churches which are in the town. There are in Westport two carriage 
and two or three cotton factories. Shoes, hats, and other articles, are 
manufactured to some extent. There are 10 or 12 mercantile stores in 
the place. Saugatuck river is navigable for sloops and schooners as far 
as the village. At common tides there are about 7 feet of water by the 
bridge. This place is 6J miles west from Fairfield, 3£ from Norwalk, 
21 from Danbury, and 274 from New Haven. 

In 1786, there were but five houses on both sides of the river, in the 
limits of the present village, of which only two now remain. In con- 
sequence of having the surplus money distributed properly, a committee 
was recently appointed to ascertain how many persons were in the limits 
of what is now Westport, when the census of 1830 was taken. It was 
found that 814 were in Fairfield, 725 from Norwalk, and 167 from 
Weston, making in the whole 1,706 persons. 

About two and a half miles south of the village of Westport, is a 
smooth and beautiful elevation, called Compo. It was at this place 
that the British troops landed in April, 1777, when on their expedition 
to Danbury. They also returned to this place when they embarked on 
board of their shipping. Seven or eight men were killed in the vicin- 
ity of the Congregational church in Westport. " When the British 



412 WILTON. 

reached Compo," says Dr. Dwight, "they were hard pressed by the 
Americans ; and probably would not have escaped from complete de- 
struction, but by the following expedient, said to have been proposed 
by Sir William Erskine. They landed a body of marines, and moving 
them into the van of their army, charged the Americans with so much 
vigor, that they were driven from the ground. The British then em- 
barked in their boats, with the utmost expedition, and reached their 
ships in safety, but so fatigued with their march, that many of the sol- 
diers fell, it was said, upon the decks of the vessels, and there lay for a 
considerable time immovable and torpid. The Americans, also, were 
most of them exceedingly weary. The marines being fresh, took the 
place of their exhausted countrymen, and were an overmatch for the 
fatigued Americans." Ball Mountain, a conical eminence, covered 
with large trees from its base to its summit, is situated a little south of 
the village, and is a striking feature in the landscape. 



WILTON. 



Wilton was incorporated as a town in 1802. It was previously a 
society in the town of Norwalk, organized as such in 1726. The town 
is about 65 miles in length, and 4 in breadth ; bounded n. by Ridge- 
field, e. by Reading and Weston, s. by Norwalk, and w. by New Ca- 
naan and Salem in the state of New York. The surface of the town- 
ship is broken, there being two ridges running northerly and southerly 
through the town. The soil is a gravelly loam, considerably produc- 
tive, and best adapted to a grain culture. The lands are also well 
adapted for fruits of various kinds. Agriculture is the principal business 
of the inhabitants. There is a satinet factory in the town. There are 
four churches, 1 Episcopal, 1 Congregational, and 2 Methodist. The 
central part of the town is seven miles north of Norwalk 

Wilton Academy is a classical school of high repute. The students 
are generally from the different states of the Union. It was instituted 
about the year 1818, by Hawley Olmstead, Esq., and is still under his 
direction. The number of students is limited at about forty. — Profes- 
sor Stuart, of the Andover Theological Seminary, is a native of this 
town. 

A silver mine has been discovered in this town. It was worked by 
some Englishmen during the Revolutionary war. After having work- 
ed in the mine for some time, they suddenly absconded, and took off 
their treasure with them. Since this period the mine has been neg- 
lected. 



BROOKLYN. 413 



WINDHAM COUNTY. 



Windham County is bounded n. by Worcester County in Massa- 
chusetts, e. by the state of Rhode Island, s. by New London County, 
and w. by Tolland County. It averages about 26 miles in length 
from north to south, and is about 19 miles in width. This county is 
uniformly hilly, yet no part of it is mountainous or very elevated. The 
prevailing soil is a primitive gravelly loam. The greatest portion of the 
county is stony and considerably rough, and the lands generally best 
adapted for grazing, and many sections afford some of the richest dairy 
farms in the State. The Quinnebaug and Shetucket, with their branch- 
es, intersect this county, and afford many valuable water privileges for 
mills and manufacturing purposes. The valley of the Quinnebaug riv- 
er comprises the best land in the county. The inhabitants of this 
county are more extensively engaged in the manufacturing business than 
in any other county in the State. Cotton and woolen goods are the 
principal articles manufactured. Windham County originally belonged 
to the counties of Hartford and New London. It was incorporated as a 
county in May, 1726. 

The following is a list of the several towns in the county, with their 
population in 1830. 



Brooklyn, . 


1,415 


Killingly, 


. 3,257 


Thompson, 


. 3,380 


Ashford, 


2,661 


Pomfret, 


. 1,978 


Voluntown, 


. 1,304 


Canterbury, 


1,880 


Plainfleld, 


2.239 


Windham, 


. 2,812 


Chaplin, 


807 


Sterling, 


. 1,240 


Woodstock, 


. 2,917 


Hampton, 


1,101 











Population of the county in 1820, 31,684; in 1830, 27,077. 



BROOKLYN. 



The town of Brooklyn was incorporated in the year 1786, previous 
to which period it was included within the limits of Pomfret and Can- 
terbury. The boundary line between these two towns, ran about half 
a mile south of the present village of Brooklyn, extending from the 
Quinnebaug river in the east, to a small stream nearly a mile east of 
the village of Hampton, which was then called Kennedy or Wind- 
ham village. 

" In the year 1703, Richard Adams, Esq. then residing in that part of 
Norwich which now constitutes the town of Lisbon, purchased of 
James Fitch 3,000 acres of land, lying in the south part of Pomfret, 
where the village of Brooklyn now stands. This land he divided into 
five narrow lots, which he deeded to his five sons. The first lot was 
bounded south by the line between the two towns, extending in length 
from Quinnebaug river on the east, to land owned by Daniel Cady, 



414 



BROOKLYN. 



about a mile west of the village. Directly north of this was situated a 
tract of land owned by a Mr. John Blackwell, comprising 5,750 acres, 
who willed it to his son John. It was afterwards sold to Governor 
Belcher of Massachusetts, who divided it into farms and sold them to 
different individuals, among whom was the well known Gen. Putman. 
This tract of land went by the name " Mortlake ;" it extended further 
west than the Adams purchase. A beautiful stream, which rises in the 
western part of this tract, received its name from the proprietor, viz. 
" Blackwell's ;" it empties into the Quinnebaug. In the year 1747, the 
inhabitants of Mortlake sent a petition to the General Assembly, to be 
made a town. But the petition was slighted, and it was then resolved 
that it should be afterwards called Pomfret. In the north part of Canter- 
bury, (that part of it which is now included within the limits of Brook- 
lyn,) the land was owned by Edward Spalding ; on the west of the 
Adams and north of the Spalding purchase, the land was owned by 
Daniel Cady. All of these tracts together were called the " Two Ad- 
ditions." There was, at that period, no particular village. In the year 
1724, Daniel Cady deeded to the Two Additions 1 acre of land for a 
burying ground ; it lies nearly half a mile south of the village of Brook- 
lyn. 

"In the year 1731, the first society meeting was holden, and in the 
succeeding year the first Ecclesiastical society was formed, having the 
same limits with the present town of Brooklyn. From 1732 till 
1754, this society went by the title of Mortlake ; it was then changed 
to Brooklyn, and was called Brooklyn society until 1786, when it was 
made a town. The first church was built in 1734, about 10 rods north- 
west of the site of the present one ; the second was built in 177 1 . The 
first minister was ordained in 1735, whose name was Rev. Ephriam 
Avery. He died in 1754, and was succeeded by the memorable Dr. 
Whitney, who continued his ministerial duties until 1824, during a 
period of 68 years. The society divided in 1817 ; and in 1820 a 
chapel was built by the Congregationalists : the Unitarians held the old 
church. The court house was removed from Windham to Brooklyn 
in 1820. The principal streams in Brooklyn are the Quinnebaug river 
and Blackwell's brook. The hills are the Gray Mare, which is situa- 
ted about one fourth of mile north west of Brooklyn ; (it derives its 
name from the circumstance of an old mare and colt having been 
caught among the ledges, and confined there until the colt had eaten 
off the old mare's mane ;) and Tetnuck hill, which is situated in the 
south part of the town. On the southeast side of this hill, there is quite 
a celebrated cave, called Lyon's Den; it derives its name from this 
circumstance, viz. during the Revolutionary war, a man by the name 
of Lyon deserted his post, and concealed himself in this cave until the 
pursuit was over. There is a mineral spring in the northeast part of 
the town, which is often resorted to in the summer season for medical 
purposes." 

Brooklyn is bounded n. by Pomfret, E. by the Quinnebaug, separa- 
ting it from Killingly and Plainfield, s. by Canterbury, and w. by 
Hampton. The town is nearly six miles in length from north to south, 



BROOKLYN. 



415 



and five in breadth. It is uneven, consisting of hills and valleys, and 
somewhat stony ; but it is fertile, and admirably adapted to grazing. 
The dairy business, and the raising of sheep and swine, are the leading 
agricultural interests of the town. There is a cotton factory in the 
town, on the Quinnebaug, near the village of Danielsonville in Killingly. 




North view of Brooklyn, {central part.) 

The above is a northern view of the central part of the village of 
Brooklyn. The village consists of about 40 or 50 dwelling houses, 3 
houses for public worship, a court house, and 4 or 5 mercantile stores ; 
it is about 20 miles from Norwich, 40 from Hartford, and 30 from 
Providence. The building which is seen on the right is the court 
house. The Unitarian church is seen in the central part of the en- 
graving. The Congregational church, recently erected, is seen farther 
to the south. The Baptist church is the small building with a steeple, 
seen a little west of the Unitarian church. The Brooklyn bank is the 
building seen on the extreme left, under the trees. A few paces north 
of this, and opposite the Unitarian church, was the residence of Gen. 
Putnam : the house in which he lived has been taken down within 
three or four years past. The field in which he was plowing when he 
first heard of the Lexington battle, is in full view, about 100 rods dis- 
tant. He left his plow in the middle of the field, unyoked his team, 
and without waiting to change his clothes, mounted his horse and set 
out for the theater of war. His first place of residence in these parts, 
was about two miles north, where he had a farm ; at the time of his 
noted wolf exploit, his house here was very near the boundary line be- 
tween Brooklyn and Pomfret. Gen. Putnam, in the decline of life, 
publicly professed the religion of the gospel, and in the opinion of the 
respectable clergyman of Brooklyn, the Rev. Dr. Whitney, died hope- 
fully a Christian. "During the gayest and most thoughtless period of 
his life," says Dr. Dwight, " he regarded religion with profound reve- 
rence, and read the scriptures with the deepest attention." 



416 



BROOKLYN. 



The Episcopal church in this town is situated about li miles east of 
the court house. This was the first church erected, and for a long pe- 
riod the only church for that denomination in this county. It was 
erected before the Revolutionary war, by Mr. Godfrey Malbone, a gen- 
tleman from Rhode Island, who had been educated at Oxford, Eng- 
land. He married a lady from the south, who for part of her patrimony 
brought 50 or 60 slaves on to the large estate on which he resided in 
this town. The state of Connecticut, after the Revolution, having 
abolished slavery within her borders, Mr. Malbone's servants became 
dispersed, and a great proportion of the colored people in this part of 
the state are their descendants. 




Gen. Putnam's Monument. 

The above is a representation of the monument in the grave yard 
south of the village of Brooklyn. The following is the inscription on 
the marble slab forming the top : — 

" This Monument is erected to the memory of the Honorable Israel Putnam, Esq., 
Major General in the Armies of the United States of America ; who was born at Sa- 
lem, in the Province of Massachusetts, on the 7th day of January, 1718; and died at 
Brooklyn, in the state of Connecticut, on the 29th day of May, A. D. 1790. Passen- 
ger, if thou art a Soldier, go not away till thou hast dropped a tear over the dust of a 
Hero, who, ever tenderly attentive to the lives and happiness of his men, dared to lead 
where any one dared to follow. If thou art a Patriot, remember with gratitude how 
much thou and thy country owe to the disinterested and gallant exertions of the Patriot 
who sleeps beneath this marble. If thou art an honest, generous and worthy man, ren- 
der a sincere and cheerful tribute of respect to a man whose generosity was singular ; 
whose honesty was proverbial; and who, with a slender education, with small advan- 
tages, and without powerful friends, raised himself to universal esteem, and to offices 
of eminent distinction, by personal worth, and by the diligent services of a useful life." 

The following sketch of the life of General Putnam, is from Allen's 
American Biographical Dictionary : — 

" Israel Putnam, a major general in the army of the United States, was born at Sa- 
lem, Massachusetts, January 7, 1718. His mind was vigorous, but it was never culti- 
vated by education. When he for the first time went to Boston, he was insulted for 
his rusticity by a boy of twice his size. After bearing his sarcasms until his good na- 
ture was exhausted, he attacked and vanquished the unmannerly fellow, to the great 
diversion of a crowd of spectators. In running, leaping and wrestling, he almost al- 
ways bore away the prize. In 1739 he removed toPomfret in Connecticut, where he cul- 
tivated a considerable tract of land. * * * During the French war, he was appointed 
to command a company of the first troops which were raised in Connecticut, in 1755. 
He rendered much service to the army in the neighborhood of Crown Point. In 1756, 
while near Ticonderoga, he was repeatedly in the most imminent danger. He esca- 
ped in an adventure of one night, with twelve bullet holes in his blanket. In August, 
he was sent out with several hundred men to watch the motions of the enemy. Being 
ambuscaded by a party of equal numbers, a general but irregular action took place. 



ASH FORD. 417 

Putnam had discharged his fusee several times, but at length it missed fire while its 
muzzle was presented to the breast of a savage. The warrior with his lifted hatchet 
and a tremendous war whoop, compelled him to surrender, and then bound him to a 
tree. In the course of the aclion the parties changed their position, so as to bring this 
tree directly between them. The balls flew by him incessantly: many struck the tree, 
and some passed through his clothes. The enemy now gained possession of the 
ground, but being afterwards driven from the field, they carried their prisoner with 
them. At night he was stripped, and a fire was kindled to roast him alive; but a 
French officer saved him. The next day he arrived at Ticonderoga, and thence he 
was carried to Montreal. About the year 1759 he was exchanged through the ingenu- 
ity of his fellow prisoner, Colonel Schuyler. When peace took place he returned to 
his farm. He was plowing in his field in 1775, when he heard the news of the battle 
of Lexington. He immediately unyoked his team, left his plow on the spot, and 
without changing his clothes set off for Cambridge, tie soon went back to Connecti- 
cut, levied a regiment, and repaired again to the camp. In a little lime he was pro- 
moted to the rank of major general. In the battle of Bunker's hill he exhibited his 
usual intrepidity. He directed the men to reserve their fire, till the enemy was very 
near, reminded them of their skill, and told them to take good aim. They did so, and 
the execution was terrible. After the retreat he made a stand at Winter hill, and 
drove back the enemy under cover of their ships. When the army was organized by 
General Washington at Cambridge, Putnam was appointed to command the reserve. 
In August, 1776, he was stationed at Brooklyn, on Long Island. After the defeat of 
our army on the 27th of that month, he went to New York, and was very serviceable in 
the city and neighborhood. In October or November, he was sent to Philadelphia, to 
fortify that city. In January, 1777, he was directed to take post at Princeton, where he 
continued until spring. At this place a sick prisoner, a captain, requested that a friend 
in the British army at Brunswick might be sent for to assist him in making his will. 
Putnam was perplexed. He had but fifty men under his command, and he did not 
wish to have his weakness known ; yet he was unwilling to deny the request. He 
however sent a flag of truce, and directed the officer to be brought in the night. In the 
evening, lights were placed in all the college windows, and in every apartment of the 
vacant houses throughout the town. The officer on his return reported that Gen. Put- 
nam's army could not consist of less than four or five thousand men. In the spring, he 
was appointed to the command of a separate army in the highlands of New York. One 
Palmer, a lieutenant in the tory new levies, was detected in the camp : Governor Try- 
on reclaimed him as a British officer, threatening vengeance if he was not restored. 
Gen. Putnam wrote the following pithy reply: ' Sir, Nathan Palmer, a lieutenant in 
your king's service, was taken in my camp as a spy; he was tried as a spy; he was 
condemned as a spy ; and he shall be hanged as a spy. P. S. Afternoon. He is hang- 
ed.' At the loss of Fort Montgomery, the commander in chief determined to build 
another fortification, and he directed Putnam to fix upon the spot. To him belongs 
the praise of having chosen West Point. The campaign of 1779, which was prin- 
cipally spent in strengthening the works at this place, finished the military career of 
Putnam. A paralytic affection impaired the activity of his body, and he passed the 
remainder of his days in retirement, retaining his relish for enjoyment, his love of 
pleasantry, his strength of memory, and all the faculties of his mind." 



ASHFORD 



"The settlement of the lands granted by the royal charter, was an 
object constantly kept in view by the legislature, and which they were 
anxiously engaged to effect. They selected convenient tracts of lands, 
and laid them out in townships, and gave all proper encouragements to 
adventurers who were willing to encounter the hardships and dangers of 
new settlements. As there was a good tract of land lying west of Pom- 
fret, and north of Mansfield, adjoining Crystal Pond, they in 1706, 
granted a township, six (?) miles square, by the name of Ashford. The 
settlement of the town, however, did not commence till 1710, when two 
families moved on to the lands. In about four years, the inhabitants 
were so increased, that upon their petition, in 1714, the Assembly vest- 

53 



418 



A S II F O R D . 



ed them with the privileges of a distinct town. Their first minister was 
the Rev. James Hale, ordained Nov. 26th, 1718." 

Ashford is bounded n. by Union and Woodstock, e. by Pomfret, w. 
by Wellington, and s. by Hampton, Chaplin and Mansfield. The south 
part of the town is about 9 miles long, and the west part about 8 in 
width. The surface of the land is hilly and stony, the soil being hard 
and gravelly, yet considerably fertile, and well adapted to grazing. 
There are three societies in the town, Ashford, Westford and Eastford ; 
8 houses for public worship, 3 for Congregationalists,4 for Baptists, and 
1 for Methodists. Agriculture is the principal business of the inhabit- 
ants. There are 3 woolen factories and 1 cotton factory in the town. 




/Southwestern vieiv of Ashford, [central part.) 

The above is a southwestern view of the Congregational* church, 
Academy, and the two public houses, in the central part of Ashford. 
This place is 31 miles from Hartford, 39 from Providence, and 65 
from Boston. The ancient Congregational church stood nearly on the 
spot where the church seen in the engraving is situated. 

Tlie following tradition has been handed down from father to son in 
Ashford : it is said to have taken place on this spot, and is illustrative 
of the manners and customs of ancient times : — 

" A concourse of people were assembled on the hill in front of the 
meeting house, to witness the punishment of a man who had been con- 
victed of neglecting to go to meeting on the Sabbath for a period of 
three months. According to the existing law for such delinquency, the 
culprit was to be publicly whipped at the post. Just as the whip was 
about to be applied, a stranger on horseback appeared, rode up to the 
crowd of spectators, and enquired for what purpose they were assem- 
bled. Being informed of the state of the case, the strange gentleman 
rose upright in his stirrups, and with emphasis addressed the astonished 
multitude as follows : " You men of Ashford, serve God as if the D...1 



ASHFORD. 419 

was in you ! Do you think you can whip the grace of God into men? 
Christ will have none hut volunteers." The people stared, while the 
speaker, probably not caring to be arraigned for contempt of court, put 
spurs to his horse, and was soon out of sight ; nor was he ever more 
seen or heard of by the good people of Ashford." 

The following, which is descriptive of the scenery, fee, of Ashford, 
is furnished by a native of the place : — 

" The traveler, on arriving at Ashford, is greeted by no imposing spectacle. From 
the distant hill, as he approaches, he sees no ancient towers, nor, as he enters the cen- 
ter of the old town, dues he meet with walled environs and a grated entry. Even in 
Spartan days, or in feudal times, the virtue and the hospitality which characterize 
such inhabitants, would have dispensed with walls and bulwarks. The simple view of 
a meeting house, an academy, two taverns, a cluster of neat dwellings, and surround- 
ing scenery not particularly attractive, leaves no enduring impression upon the mind 
of the indifferent sojourner, who, after a night's repose, or a well prepared meal, ten- 
ders a sincere farewell to his obliging host, and resumes his seat in the post coach. 
But he who would enjoy the native attractions of the place, must be at leisure, and not 
wholly disinterested. Some strong tie, like that of consanguinity, should be thrown 
around him. In fine, he must be a good pedestrian. If he have these prerequisites, 
he may leave the turnpike and traverse a northern section of the township, where he 
shall find a region worthy to have been the nursery of the eagle spirit of a Knowlton. 
He shall stroll complacently among the pines which embower the rocky upland, and 
his eye shall dilate upon the landscape, as viewed from the topmost shelf of the storm- 
beaten crag. He shall turn from this species of scenery, to another not less enchant- 
ing. He shall leave the mountain for the plain, and make his way through the thickly 
wooded valley, where also wanders the murmuring rivulet, which is destined, ere its 
waters reach the sea, to bear a navy upon its bosom. Among these solitudes, he may 
perchance identify the ' banks anil braes' among which, while a stripling, he angled 
for dace and trout. And here, where the shade of the overspreading beech falls upon 
the stream, if a corresponding shade of melancholy fall upon his heart, as memory re- 
curs to his early friends and associates, that shade shall be but momentary. For when 
he shall arrive at the skirt of the wood, he may hear the careless whistle of the indus- 
trious farmer, and be cheered by the smile and merry song of his more than Roman 
daughters." 

Col. Thomas Knowlton, who fell in the battle near Haerlem Heights, 
in September, 1776, was a native of this town. He was an intrepid 
soldier, a true patriot, and a worthy citizen. He was among the first 
who rallied around the standard of independence. He distinguished 
himself at the battle of Bunker Hill. The day after the retreat of the 
Americans from Long Island, being followed by the enemy, Gen. Wash- 
ington detached a force under Col. Knowlton to oppose them, who 
charged them with great intrepidity, gained considerable advantage, and 
raised the depressed spirits of the army. He fell mortally wounded, at 
the head of his men, during the heat of the action. Gen. Washington, 
in his orders the day after he fell, styled him "the gallant and brave 
Colonel Knowlton, who would have been an honor to any country." 



The following inscriptions are from monuments in the yard on the 
north side of the church represented in the engraving : — 

ISATAH, lv. 3. 

Memento Mori. — Here lies the remains of ye Rev. Mr. James Hale, the first Pastor 
of ye Church of Christ in Ashford, and husband of Madam Sarah Hale. He left 
Earth for Heaven, as we trust, in ye 58th year of his age, November ye 22, 1742. 

[On the foot stone.] 

Here lies a Friend of Christ and of his People's ... ye Rev. Mr. James Hale. Let 
all that loved the man these lines present, Follow his Faith in Christ and of all sin re- 
pent. 



420 CANTERBURY. 

The Rev. Enoch Pond, and Mrs. Peggv Pond his wife. Mr. Pond died Aug. 6th, 
1807, JE. 50. Mrs. Pond died Jan. 24th, 1800, M. 40.— Generous in temper, correct in 
science, and liberal in sentiment, the Gentleman, the Scholar, and the Minister of the 
Sanctuary, appeared with advantage in Mr. Pond. The Church and first society in 
Ashford were favored with his Gospel Ministry 18 years. 

§^p In yonder sacred house he spent his breath, 
Now silent, senseless, here he lies in death. 
Those lips again shall speak, and then declare 
A dread Amen to truths they published there. 
Amiable in manners, kind in affection, and devout in Religion, Mrs. Pond enjoyed 
the friendship and confidence of a numerous acquaintance. 
She lived a life of usefulness below, 
She lives we trust a life of glory now. 



CANTERBURY. 



Canterbury originally belonged to Windham, afterwards to Plain- 
field. The General Assembly, in 1703, enacted that the town of Plain- 
field should be divided, and that the inhabitants on the west side of the 
river should be a distinct town by the name of Canterbury. " It seems, 
that the settlement of this tract commenced about the year 1690. The 
principal settlers from Connecticut, were Major James Fitch and Mr. 
Solomon Tracy, from Norwich; Mr. Tixhall Ellsworth and Mr. Samuel 
Ashley, from Hartford ; but much the greatest number were from New- 
town, Woburn, Dorchester, Barnstable and Medfield. in Massachusetts. 
Among these were John, Richard, and Joseph Woodward, William, 
Obadiah and Joseph Johnson, Josiah and Samuel Cleveland, Elisha 
Pain, Paul Davenport, and Henry Adams."* 

Canterbury is bounded n. by Brooklyn, w. by Windham, e. by Plain- 
field, and s. by Lisbon and Plainfield. It is eight miles long, and about 
four and a half broad. The surface of the town is uneven, though it 
can scarcely be called hilly, and some sections are level. The soil is 
a gravelly loam, and generally fertile and productive. The town is 
watered by the Quinnebaug, which is here a large and beautiful stream. 
It annually overflows its banks, and fertilizes the fine tract of alluvial 
soil upon its borders. These natural meadows are very fertile, and af- 
ford the largest crops, and at the same time are cultivated with the 
greatest facility. The town is divided into two societies, Canterbury, 
and Westminster, which embraces the western section of the town. In 
each society there is a Congregational church : there is also a Baptist 
church in the north part of the town. There are three cotton factories, 
two of which are in Packersville, a small manufacturing village, partly 
in the limits of this town, and partly in the limits of Plainfield, near 
the eastern bank of the Quinnebaug. 

The principal village in Canterbury is pleasantly situated, on eleva- 
ted ground, about half a mile west of the Quinnebaug. The engra- 
ving shows a south view of the Congregational church, the green, and 
some of the houses in the vicinity ; from this spot the ground descends 
on every side except to the west. This place is 15 miles from Nor- 

» Dr. Trumbull. 



CANTERBURY. 



421 



wich, 6 south of Brooklyn, 33 from Providence, and 40 from Hartford. 
On the left of the engraving is seen the house formerly occupied as a 
school by Miss Prudence Crandall. for colored girls, which at the time 
it was kept caused considerable excitement in this vicinity. 




South vieiv of the central part of Canterbury. 

In November, 1831, Miss Crandall, who had gained a high reputa- 
tion as a female instructress, proposed to some of the leading individ- 
uals in Canterbury, to open a " boarding school" in their village, for 
the education of young ladies. Her proposal was very favorably re- 
ceived, and by the patronage of the inhabitants the school was imme- 
diately opened, and continued rising in respectability. 

In September, 1832, a respectable pious colored girl, a resident in 
Canterbury, and a member of the Congregational church, wishing to 
qualify herself to become a teacher among persons of her own color, 
requested admission into Miss Crandall's school. Miss C. at first hesi- 
tated, but at length, on a repetition of the request, urged with more 
earnestness than before, " she was admitted as one of her pupils." It 
was however soon intimated to Miss C. that unless she removed this 
scholar, the school would be greatly injured. Miss Crandall, who ap- 
pears to have been governed in this affair by what she conceived to be 
her religious duty, in opposition to " public opinion," retained her col- 
ored pupil. In her view it appeared unjust and oppressive to expel a 
worthy scholar, who was guilty of no crime, merely on account of color. 
According to her view, the precepts of Christianity inculcated the du- 
ties of justice and benevolence to all, without respect to persons, and 
a spirit ready to make sacrifices for the good of others. After consult- 
ing with a number of people in different places, who professed to be 
friends of the improvement and education of colored persons, and also 
considering the deep prejudices existing against an unfortunate and in- 
jured race, the difficulties which those of them who are desirous of an 



422 CANTERBURY. 

education lie under, in not being admitted to the higher seminaries of 
learning, Miss C. determined to open a school for their benefit, and ac- 
cordingly dismissed her white scholars, and gave public notice that on 
the 1st of April her school would be opened for " young ladies and 
little misses of color." 

The people of Canterbury, considering that this school would have 
a tendency to draw a despised class of persons to their village, and 
possessing their share of the feelings so common against the race, en- 
deavored to break up the school. For this purpose they appointed a 
number of committees to wait on Miss C. in order to dissuade her from 
the design. All their attempts were unsuccessful. At this period, there 
being no law in Connecticut to prevent the education of colored per- 
sons coming from other states, a petition was drawn up, signed by a 
considerable number of petitioners, and sent to the Legislature, who 
granted the prayer of the petitioners, by passing an act prohibiting the 
instruction of colored persons from other states, in any schools except 
the common free schools and incorporated academies, without the con- 
sent of the town in which such schools should be situated. The passage 
of this law, (May, 1833,) was celebrated in Canterbury by ringing the 
bell and firing of cannon. About six weeks after the passage of the 
law, a suit was commenced against Miss C. which resulted in her con- 
finement in the county jail at Brooklyn about a day, when bonds were 
given for her appearance before the County Court. The case came 
finally before the Superior Court, where the constitutionality of the 
law which Miss C. had broken, was argued. The counsel on the part 
of Miss C. contended that the law was unconstitutional, for the con- 
stitution of the United States declares, " The citizens of each state 
shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the sev- 
eral states." The judge on this case decided that colored persons were 
not citizens. 

" From the commencement of her school for colored girls, Miss C. 
was subjected to a variety of insults and injuries, which, if not approved 
and countenanced by the more respectable inhabitants, were at least 
suffered to pass with an impunity that would have hardly attended 
them, had any other person been the injured party." Miss Crandall 
continued her school till after the decision above referred to, when she 
became united in marriage with a Baptist clergyman, and soon after the 
school was discontinued. 



Jonathan Carver, a celebrated traveler, was (it is believed) a native 
of this town. The following is from Allen's American Biographical 
Dictionary. 

" Jonathan Carver, an enterprising traveler, was a native of Connecticut, and 
was born in 1732. He lost his lather, who was a justice of the peace, when he was 
only five years of age. He was intended for the profession of medicine, which he 
quitted for a military life. In the French war he commanded an independent com- 
pany of provincials, in the expedition carried on across the lakes against Canada. 
He served with reputation till the peace of 1763. Alter this he formed the resolution 
of exploring the most interior parts of North America, and of even penetrating to 
the Pacific Ocean, over that broad part of the continent, which lies between the forty 
tliird and the forty sixth degrees of north latitude. As the English had come in pos- 



CANTERBURY. 423 

session of a vast territory by the conquest of Canada, he wished to render this acqui- 
sition profitable to his country, while he gratified his tasie for adventures. He be- 
lieved, that the French had intentionally kept other nations ignorant of the interior 
parts of North America. He hoped to facilitate the discovery of a northwest passage, 
or of a communication between Hudson's bay and the Pacific Ocean. If he could 
efTectthe establishment of a post on the Straits of Annian, he supposed he should thus 
open a channel for conveying intelligence to China and the English settlements in 
the East Indies with greater expedition, than by a tedious voyage by the cape of 
Good Hope, or the straits of Magellan. 

" With these views he set out from Boston, in 17GG, and in September of that year 
arrived at Michillimakinac, the most interior English post. He applied to the go- 
vernor, Mr. Rogers, to furnish him with a proper assortment of goods, as a present 
for the Indians living in the tract, which he intended to pursue. Receiving a supply 
in part, it was promised that the remainder should be sent to him, when he reached 
the falls of St. Anthony in the river Mississippi. In consequence of the failure of the 
goods, he found it necessary to return to la Prairie la Chien in the spring of 1767. 
Being thus retarded in his progress westward, he determined to direct his course north- 
ward, that by finding a communication between the Mississippi and Lake Superior, 
he might meet the traders at the grand portage at the northwest side of the lake. Of 
them he intended to purchase the goods, which he needed, and then to pursue his 
journey by the way of the lakes La Pluye, Dubois, and Ouinipique to the heads of the 
river west. He reached lake Superior before the traders had returned to Michilli- 
makinac, but they could not furnish him with goods. Thus disappointed a second 
time, he continued some months on the north and east borders of Lake Superior, ex- 
ploiing the bays and rivers, which empty themselves into the large body of water, and 
carelully observing the natural productions of the country, and the customs and man- 
ners of the inhabitants. He arrived at Boston in October, 17(58, having been absent 
on this expedition two years and five months, and during that lime traveled near 
seven thousand miles. 

" As soon as he had properly digested his journal and charts, he went to England 
to publish them. On his arrival, he presented a petition to his majesty in council for 
a reimbursement of the sums, which he had expended in the service of government. 
This was referred to the lords commissioners of trade and plantations, by whom he 
was examined in regard to his discoveries. Having obtained permission to publish 
his papers, he disposed of them to a bookseller. When they were almost ready for 
press, an order was issued from the council board, requiring him to deliver into the 
plantation otticeall his charts and journals, with every paper relating to the discoveries, 
which he had made. In order to obey this command he was obliged to purchase them 
from the bookseller. It was not until ten years after, that he published an account of 
his travels. Being disappointed in his hopes of preferment, he became clerk of the 
lottery. As he sold his name to a historical compilation, which was published in 
1779, in folio, entitled the " New Universal Traveler," containing an account of all 
the empires, kingdoms, and states in the known world, he was abandoned by those, 
whose duty it was to support him, and he died in want of common necessaries of life 
in 1780, aged forty eight years. 

" Captain Carver published a tract on the culture of tobacco ; and travels through 
the interior parts of North America in the years 1766, I7G7, and 1768, London, 8vo. 
1778. An edition of this work was published at Boston in 1797." 



The following are copied from monuments in the grave yard north 
of the Congregational church. 

Here lyes ye body of ye Reverend and Pious and Learned Mr. Samuel Eastabrook, 
ye 3d son of ye Reverend Mr. Joseph Eastabrook, late pastor of ye church in Concord, 
"who was ye first pastor of ye church in Cantarbury, who departed this life to ye euer- 
lasting mercy of God, June 23d, 1727, in the 53d year of his age. 

In the memory of Col. Aaron Cleveland, who died in a fit of apoplexy, I4th April, 
A. D. 1785. Born 7th of Deer. 1727; on the 17th of June, A. D. 1782, when in the 
bloom of health and prime of life, was struck with the numb palsy ; from that time to 
his death, had upwards of sixty fits of the palsy and apoplexy. He was employed in 
sundry honorable offices both civil and military. 

Calm and composed my soul her journey takes, 
No guilt that troubles, and no heart that aches. 
Adieu! thou Sun, all bright like her arise, 
Adieu ! dear friends, and all that's good and wise. 



424 CHAPLIN. HAMPTON. 

Here lies the body of Maj. James Pitch, Esq., son of ye Reverend Mr. James Fitch, 
pastor, first of Saybrook, then of Norwich. He was born at Saybrook, 1647. He 
was very useful in his military ami in his magistracy to which he was chosen, served 
successively to ye great acceptation and advantage of his country, being a gentleman 
of good pans, and rerv forward to promote ye crvil and religious interests of it. Died 
Nov. 10, 1727, aged SO yea is. 



CHAPLIN 



Chaplin was incorporated as a town in 1822. It was formed from 
the towns of Mansfield, Hampton, and a small section of the town of 
Windham. It is bounded n. by Asbford, e. by Hampton and Wind- 
ham, s. by Windham and Mansfield, and w. by Mansfield. The prin- 
cipal part of the township, however, was included in the limits of 
Mansfield, being a parish in that town, by the name of Chaplin. This 
parish was formed in October, 1809, and received its name from Dea- 
con Benjamin Chaplin, who left a donation for the benefit of the so- 
ciety. The township is five miles and a half in length from north to 
south, and averages about three and a half in width, containing about 
nineteen square miles. 

The town is intersected by the Nachaug, which passes through it 
from the northeast to the southwest. The inhabitants are principally 
farmers. There is but one house of worship in the town, which is for 
Congregationalists. A paper mill, on the Nachaug, has been recently 
erected, near the center of the town. The central part of the town is 
about ten miles west from Brooklyn. 



HAMPTON. 



Hampton was incorporated as a town in 1786. It was mostly form- 
ed from the second society of Windham, which was formed as a society 
in 1720, and was called Kennedy or Windham village. The place 
appears to have been so named from a Mr. Kennedy, who with his 
family were the first settlers in the society. They located themselves 
about two miles south of the Congregational church. It is believed 
that the first settlers came into this town about the year 1708. John 
Clark, the fourth settler, located himself nearly two miles northwest 
from the center; Nathaniel Flint, one mile and a half to the southeast ; 
William and John Durkee, and George Martin, near the center ; Na- 
thaniel Kingsbury located himself about three miles to the northwest. 
Daniel Denison, two miles north ; James Utley, two miles and a half, 
and Ebenezer Griffin, one mile and a half to the northeast. Benjamin 
Bedlock, John Preston and John Holt, were also among the first set- 
tlers. The first meeting house lasted till 1754, when it was removed 
and a new one erected, which is the church now standing. 

" The Congregational church in Hampton was organized June 5th 
1723, consisting of 17 members, the descendants of many of which are 
yet inhabitants of the town. Upon the same day, Rev. William Bil- 



HAMPTON. 425 

lings was ordained their pastor. He died May 22d, 1733, aged 36 
years. His successor, Rev. Samuel Mosely, was ordained May 15th, 
1734, and died July 26, 1791, in the 83d year of his age, and 57th of 
his ministry. Rev. Ludovicus Weld, the next pastor, was ordained 
Oct. 27th, 1792, and at his request, in consequence of ill health, was 
dismissed March 2d, 1824." The present pastor, Rev. Daniel G. 
Sprague, from whom the above statement was obtained, was installed 
May 26th, 1824. 

Hampton is bounded n. by Ashford and Pomfret, e. by Pomfret, 
Brooklyn and Canterbury, s. by Canterbury and Windham, and w. by 
Windham and Chaplin. Its length from north to south is about six 
miles, its breadth, upwards of three, containing about 21 $ square miles. 

The surface of the town is uneven, being considerably hilly. The 
soil is a gravelly loam, considerably strong and fertile, and is well 
adapted for grazing. Agriculture is the principal business of the in- 
habitants. There is, in the south part of the town, 1 woolen and 1 
cotton factory, and in the center there is an establishment for the manu- 
facture of spectacles, carried on by Mr. Joseph S. Curtiss, who manu- 
factures at present between 2,000 and 3,000 pairs yearly. 

The principal and central village in the town is situated on the sum- 
mit of a considerably elevated hill, 35 miles from Hartford and 6 from 
Brooklyn. It consists of upwards of thirty dwelling houses, 5 stores, a 
town house, and a Congregational church, on a single street, of perhaps 
about half a mile in extent. There are two other houses of worship 
in the town, one for Baptists, in the northeast part, and one (a small 
building, for Christ-ians) in the western part. There are two post offices 
in the limits of the town, one at the center and the other at Howard's 
valley. The first mail opened in Hampton was on Jan. 31st, 1820. 

About twenty years since, a sect of reformers, calling themselves 
Christ-ians, caused considerable excitement in this and some of the 
adjoining towns. They had a house of worship in this town, called 
the Goshen meeting house, (from a neighborhood by that name,) 
about two miles westerly from the center of the town. They ap- 
pear to have been rather extravagant in their manner of conducting 
their meetings : it is stated that they were so noisy as to be heard at 
the distance of two miles. It is also stated, that in order to humble 
themselves, and become literally like little children, they have been 
known to crawl or creep on the floor, roll over one another, &.c. In 
some instances they would so far neglect their worldly business as to 
leave their cows unmilked, he. A Mr. Smith and Mr. Varnum,* ap- 



* A correspondent from Hampton states, that the first Christ-tans came to Hampton 
in 1816 : they were also called Smithites, from one Elias Smith, who appears to have 
been one of the founders of this sect. " Varnum pretended to hare special revela- 
tions from God, that such and such persons must give him some particular article, or 
a sum of money. In one instance, he went to a man who was then a justice of the 
peace, and told him that it was revealed to him, that he must give him his horse. The 
justice, thinking this rather a hard requisition, as he had already given him consider- 
able in this way, asked if one half would not do, as the horse was a valuable one. 
Varnum reluctantly consented, on the ground that the revelation went for the whole ; 
he however promised the owner of the horse, that he would pay him back one half its 
value. Varnum took the horse and went off, but never fulfilled his promise." Var- 

54 



426 KILLINGLY. 

pear to have been their principal preachers, or leaders. Varnum in- 
duced some of the people, over whom he had great influence, to move 
with him to Ohio, and there establish a pure and holy church, and en- 
joy a kind of Paradise on earth. The people, however, that went with 
him, were generally miserably disappointed ; Varnum turned Shaker, 
and advised those over whom he had influence to follow his example, 
which was to some extent followed. 



KILLINGLY. 



Killingly was first settled about the year 1700.* An act was 
passed in 1708, granting the inhabitants the privileges and immunities 
of a township, which then included in its limits the town of Thompson. 
The land was purchased of the colony, and the grant was signed by 
Gov. Salstonstall at New Haven, Oct. 13th, 1709. 

Among the early settlers, whose descendants inhabit the same spot, 
were Messrs. Joseph Cady, James Danielson, Sampson Howe, and 
Ephraim Warren. The first white person buried here, was a female of 
Mr. Cady's family, great grandmother to Mr. Nell Alexander, an aged 
man still living. The precise year of her death is forgotten. Her 
grave is still to be seen ; but as it always happens in early settlements, 
the graves of that period were left without any inscription. The old- 
est date to be found is 1720, and marks the time of burial of an indi- 
vidual of the same family. 

The first settlers were all athletic men, and inured to hardships; yet they made but 
little improvement, on account of the roughness of the soil and the depredations of the 
Indians. The aborigines of this part of the country, were a branch of the Nipmuck 
tribe, who were acknowledged to be less fierce and warlike than the Pequots: but 
though the lives of the settlers were not often endangered, yet they suffered great an- 
noyance from their savage neighbors, who, being deprived of most of their game by 
the progress of the settlement, thought themselves justified in requiring the balance in 
the form of provisions, which the whites dared not refuse, notwithstanding the daily 
calls of their red friends. These sons of the forest sometimes traveled in companies 
of fifty or sixty, we are credibly informed, and took up their quarters at one house \ 
They seldom showed violence to the inmates to obtain admission, yet they often em- 
ployed artifice with wonderful success. For after they had been kept over night, 
eight or nine more would be found the next morning, whom they had contrived to 
conceal with their Pappooses, thus making their number apparently smaller than it 
really was, in order to gain admission more readily. While the whites and Indians 
in this manner had constant communication, and were on friendly terms with each 
other, they used to engage in favorite sports, by which they tested iheir comparative 
strength and agility. In this respect the whites were in no degree inferior to the red 
men. The savage is capable of enduring great hardships, but his strength is not great 
in proportion to his power of endurance. Indeed in most of the contests, the well clad 
and civilized European showed himself far superior to the almost naked and wild 
American, even in respect to bodily vigor. As an example we introduce only the two 
following circumstances. 

Mr. Cady, soon after his arrival, was one day mowing brush at the foot of Mashen- 
tuck hill, when an Indian came from an adjoining wood, and expressed an earnest 
desire to try the skill of a white man at wrestling. Cady, without hesitating, dropped 

num induced his followers, both male and female, old and young, to make a full con- 
fession of all their sins in public, without regard to any of the generally received 
opinions of propriety or decency. 

* For the following account of Killingly, its history, traditions. &c. the author is 
indebted to Asa G. Alexander, A. B. of East Killingly. 



KILLINGLY. 427 

his sythe and grappled with his savage friend, who struggled long and hard to throw 
him down. But the former knowing that by a display of strength and skill he might 
render the Indians less prone to hostility, was determined not to be worsted in this en- 
counter: he made a desperate effort, and finally succeeded in flinging his antagonist. 
But unexpectedly the head of the Indian struck upon the sharp points of the stubs of 
the brush just mown, which, on account of the violence of the fall, perforated the skull 
and killed him instantly. 

Subsequently to this, in 1720, Mr. Jacob Spalding, who bad emigra- 
ted in 1715 with the first settlers to the south parish, had a similar ad- 
venture. The particulars are related by his descendants of the fourth 
generation as follows: 

"Jacob one day purchased of an Indian a deer skin, for which he paid him a tenor 
bill. The latter, somewhat intoxicated, forgot soon after that he had received it, and 
asked for the money a second time. Jacob of course paid no attention to such an un- 
warrantable demand, and the Indian went away muttering revenge. The next day 
while shingling a barn, Jacob saw him returning with two companions. He leaped 
from the roof, met them, and was again asked to pay the price of the deer skin. He 
refused to comply, till one of the company, who appeared to be the sachem of his tribe, 
said he had come to see 'fair play,' and avowed it to be honorable for two Indians to 
contend with one white man. Jacob therefore imagined he would have a rather dif- 
ficult task to accomplish, but plucking up courage, he exerted himself to the utmost, 
and on the very first encounter, laid them both upon the ground and gave them a 
'sound drubbing.' The other, who was looking on, was not at all disposed to assist 
his brethren, and gave them no other encouragement than ' Poor dogs, poor dogs ! me 
hope he kill you both ! !' However, Jacob after ' pounding them' a short lime, suffered 
them to escape. But the next day he saw them coming again, and the individual 
who imagined himself his creditor, bearing a rifle, which he was in the act of loading. 
Bat in thrusting his hand into his pocket to find the ball, he drew out the identical bill 
which he had received two days before! Conscience-struck, he said to Jacob, who 
was coming to meet him, ' Me believe now, Jacob, you paid me de tenor bill !' After 
this confession, Jacob addressed the person who had come to see ' fair play.' ' You,' 
said he, 'that have come to see fair play, what do you advise us to do with him?' 
' Tie him to de tree and whip him,' was the reply, which was done accordingly. And 
here a circumstance occurred, which shows to what extent the Indians carried their 
principle of honor. The individual in question, after this humiliating treatment, be- 
came so dejected that he fled from his tribe, and was never heard of afterwards." 

Many of these Indians embraced Christianity, and became partially 
civilized. The celebrated Sampson Occum, of the Mohegan tribe, 
preached among them a few times. But the continual wars they had 
with other tribes, made it impossible to persuade them all to conform 
to the precepts of the Gospel. As already intimated, the aborigines 
of this quarter were less fierce and warlike than the Pequots ; yet the 
settlers were not entirely unprotected in case of any sudden emergency, 
which had some influence in keeping their savage neighbors at peace. 
Two forts were built at the north parish, and another at Danielsonville, 
the ruins of which latter are still visible. 

On one occasion only were the whites in danger. A warlike tribe came from the 
country south of Killingly, with the intention of murdering the whole white popula- 
tion. They arrived at a plain a quarter of a mile north of Alexander's Lake, and 
encamped beneath an old while oak tree. But the settlers being apprised of their ar- 
rival, were busy in preparation for defense. One of them in the mean time sallied 
forth alone to the spot where the red men were assembled. At the same moment the 
sachem was seen climbing the oak to reconnoitre the country. He had scarcely time 
to look, when he felt the bullet of the above mentioned settler, who knowing him to 
be the chief, had deliberately raised his musket and given him a fatal wound. Though 
the individual who did this bold act was alone, yet the Indians, fearing that more lay 
concealed, and being without a leader, gave up the expedition. The same day troops 
arrived from Massachusetts, and encamped over night on the plain which the Indians 
had abandoned. The next day they proceeded in pursuit of the enemy, after having 
buried one of their number who had died of sickness. 



428 K I L L I N G I, Y . 

Though the Indians of this quarter did not greatly annoy the whites, 
yet they had frequent quarrels with other tribes. To illustrate this we 
will relate a remarkable event which is received from tradition. 

The Narragansetts residing near Stonington by the sea shore, invited the Nipmucks 
about Danielsonville, to " come down" and attend a least of " shell fish." The invi- 
tation was accepted, the latter partook of the fish, were highly pleased, and in return 
invited the former to " come up" and attend a feast of " lamprey eels," which was to be 
ready after the lapse of two moons. The Nipmucks returned home and immediately 
busied themselves in catching fish for the occasion. At the appointed lime, a consid- 
erable portion of the men belonging to the Narragansett tribe, leaving their squaws at 
home to cultivate the ground and prepare food for those of the warriors left behind to 
guard their possessions, proceeded on a journey of thirty miles through a wilderness, 
to share the hospitality of their friends in Killingly. They arrived in safety and found 
the feast all prepared. Both parties seated themselves on logs. The squaws were 
then ordered to bring forward the fish, in the kettles in which they had been cooked. 
A convenient supply was then provided for each of the guests, who perceiving that 
they were cooked without dressing, were disgusted and refused to partake. As it was 
too late to remedy the matter, there was a pause. Ashamed and vexed to think they 
had spent so much trouble in inviting the Narragansetts to travel a distance of thirty 
miles to attend a feast which they could not relish, the Nipmucks proceeded to " hard 
words," which their guests retorted with too much spirit to be borne. The Nipmucks 
seized their weapons and attacked their guests, who were unarmed. Many Nipmucks 
fell: but of the Narragansetts all perished but two, who crossed the Ctuinnebaug and 
fled to their tribe, bearing the news of the massacre. 

Not long after, the remaining portion of the tribe came up, armed with their bows 
and arrows, to avenge the slaughter of their countrymen. Their march was on the 
western side of the Cluinnebaug in Brooklyn, till they arrived about half a mile below 
Danielsonville, where the Nipmucks were seen encamped on the east side in Killing- 
ly. The latter saw them coming, and hastened to give them battle: being warmly re- 
ceived, however, they dug a trench in the sandy soil on the bank of the river, and re- 
pelled the Narragansetts, who being unable to cross, entrenched themselves in the 
same manner on the opposite side. Both parties being greatly exasperated, continued 
fighting three days. The surviving Narragansetts at the end of the third day retreat- 
ed, and left the Nipmucks to bury their dead. The entrenchments are still visible, as 
well as the skeletons of the Indians who perished. Both those who were slain at the 
massacre, and those who fell in battle, were buried in pits, which were filled with bod- 
ies almost to the surface of the ground. The space thus occupied is about a quarter 
of an acre. Many of their bones have been dug up and carried away by the curious. 
The tradition adds, that on account of the wickedness of this transaction, the earth 
around this spot was blasted by a curse, so that to this day not a blade of grass will 
grow over the bodies of those murdered Narragansetts! 

By such petty contests and the treachery of the whites, the Indians 
of this part of the country gradually disappeared. Within fifteen years 
an aged and pious female, named Martha, the last lineal descendant of 
the tribe residing here, has gone to repose in the burial place of her 
fathers, and no red people have been seen here since, except occa- 
sionally in small bands for the purpose of fishing. Thus much of the 
Indians. We might entertain our readers with stories of witches, gob- 
lins and hobgoblins, if we had nothing of more consequence to place 
before them. There are however two remarkable circumstances, prob- 
ably connected with natural phenomena, which we will relate. The 
first, which we gather from the lips of aged individuals still living, is 
as follows : 

" The autumn before the American Revolution, the people of this town, who had 
long been expecting hostilities to commence, were one day alarmed by what they took 
to be the continued discharge of cannon and small arms to the northeast, in the di- 
rection of Boston. The noise continued all day and night, with scarcely any inter- 
mission. The sounds heard, it is said, exactly resembled those of musketry and field 
pieces. First would be heard a loud report and then smaller ones, "slam bang, slam 
bang," to use the language of those who relate the circumstance. The impression 



KILLING LY. 429 

that the British were coming was so strong, that most of the inhabitants mustered in 
a body to await orders for marching to Boston. In a few days, however, contrary to 
expectation, they learned that no battle had taken place, and that no discharge of can- 
non or small arms had been made between this town and Boston. Whether the sounds 
proceeded from the explosion of meteors or not, we are unable to say; but the per- 
sons who heard them, considered them as forerunners of the war, which actually be- 
gan six months from that time. 

The second circumstance was told us by an aged and respected man, 
Mr. Nell Alexander, who remembers it perfectly well, as also the re- 
markable sounds alluded to above. We give it in his own words : 

" In the American Revolution, just before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, I was 
returning from a visit to Providence, R. I. I had arrived in Killingly, and was with- 
in four miles of my residence at Alexander's Lake. It was a bright and clear night, 
without any moon. I think it was half past ten, when I accidentally looked up and 
saw a most brilliant sight. A very little south of the zenith, extending east and west 
in the sky, lay an arch composed of mounted cannon, with their muzzles pointed to- 
wards the south. Their color was that of the Aurora Borealis. I viewed them a 
long while and attempted to number them, but being in a wood, I was unable to dis- 
cern those which lay near the horizon. I then hurried on to overtake a friend, whose 
attention I wished to direct to the phenomenon. My horse being fatigued, however, 
I did not reach him till the remarkable sight had disappeared. 1 related the event to 
every person I saw for a long period afterwards, but could find no one who had seen 
it besides myself, until I happened one day to be on a visit to my uncle, Mr. Levens, 
who is no longer living. In the course of conversation, without knowing that I had 
seen it, he related precisely the same circumstances which I have just related myself. 
He was in Killingly at the time, and but a few miles from the place where I was. He 
informed me that he took the trouble of counting the cannon, and as he was in a con- 
venient situation for the purpose, he doubted not that he had unmbered them all. 
The whole number was 64. They were removed at a small distance from each other, 
well mounted and in a regular line." 

The first meeting house erected in Killingly, stood on a plain a quar- 
ter of a mile south of the present building at the north parish. It was 
subsequently removed to the spot on Breakneck hill, given to the town 
as a burial ground by Mr. Eliezer Warren. Afterwards it occupied the 
ground where the town house now stands, at the " Center," at which 
place one of its pastors was Mr. Burroughs, father of the celebrated 
rogue. The present building, which stands at the north parish, is placed 
on the highest ground in Killingly, in view of Thompson and Pom fret 
meeting houses ; it is very neatly constructed, and was erected in 1818. 
It belongs to the Congregational denomination. The first pastor of the 
Congregational church in this town was the Rev. John Fisk. It con- 
tained at its organization, Oct. 19th, 1715, eleven members. Besides 
this church, two others were subsequently organized, one at Westfield, 
and another at the south parish, both of the same denomination with 
the one already mentioned. 

A curious fact is related of one of the first pastors of the north parish church, who 
was accustomed to keep credit of the presents made him by his parishioners. In 
reading the credits for one week, it was found they consisted of four lines, making an 
harmonious couplet with perfect rhyme and measure. It is curious, as illustrating 
the state of things in those days, and certainly deserves to be snatched from oblivion. 
We give it in the form current at the present day. 

" Nell Alexander ... a few little fishes 
David Copp - - - - a goose 
Sampson Howe - - - - a junk of beef 
J. Dean a pair of shoes!" 

As connected with this denomination, one individual pastor of the 
north parish church deserves particular notice. 



430 KILLINGLY. 

The Rev. Elisha Atkins, who was ordained pastor of this church 
in 1783, is still living, at the advanced age of 86 years. This individ- 
ual's name deserves remembrance, inasmuch as he has spent a long 
life in unwearied diligence in the service of God and his country. He 
graduated at Yale College in 1773, and immediately entered upon his 
studies for the ministry. When the Revolution broke out, he entered 
the U. S. army, and served during the war as chaplain ; was present 
at the taking of Burgoyne, and witnessed various other important oc- 
currences where the division which he joined was engaged. He com- 
menced his ministry here, as already intimated, at the close of the 
American Revolution, and remained constant in his duties of pastor 
till within about four years of the present time. Since then, his strength 
failing, he has officiated only occasionally. In spite of his advanced age, 
he even now possesses considerable energy both of body and mind, and 
a health for which he is indebted to the severe exercise taken in youth. 
He is universally beloved by the members of his church. 

The Baptist meeting house was erected in 1807, and placed under 
the pastoral care of Elder Cooper. The old building still stands on 
Chesnut hill. The new one, which is just completed, (1836,) stands 
about a mile south of the old one, at that part of the hill where it is 
in full view of the villages along " Pleasant Valley." 



Killingly contains an area of 57£ square miles. The surface of the 
country is much broken. The principal streams are the Quinnebaug or 
Assawoggo Quinnebaug, the Five Mile, which joins the Quinnebaug at 
Danielsonvllle, and the White-stone brook, which empties into the Five 
Mile. These are all excellent mill streams. The White-stone brook 
has its origin in Killingly pond, formerly called Mashentuck pond, a 
piece of water partly in Connecticut and partly in Rhode Island, which 
has lately been increased by building a dam at the outlet, in order to 
allow the water to accumulate in wet weather. In this manner it has 
become one of the most valuable streams possessed by any manufac- 
turing company in the state. The other streams are the Quanduck 
and Kies branch, the latter issuing from a pretty piece of water, sur- 
rounded by forests, and called the Quinnebaug pond. 

The most delightful portion of Killingly, in respect to scenery, is around a small 
sheet of water, with an outlet to the Quinnebaug, lying in the western part of the town, 
formerly known to the Indians as Lake Mashapaug, but now called Alexander's Lake. 
It received its present appellation from an individual of the name of Nell Alexander, 
■who settled at that spot in 1720, and was himself proprietor of a great portion of the 
town. As this person gained his wealth in a manner which illustrates the antiquity 
of the propensity of the inhabitants of this state to the once honored, yet now despised 
employment of peddling, we will trouble you with a short notice of his history. He 
came from Scotland, with a great number of other emigrants, in a ship which was to 
land them at Boston. Just before leaving the ship he discovered a gold ring upon 
deck, for which he could find no owner. Thus fortunately provided, after his arrival 
he pawned I he gold ring for small articles of trade, which he peddled in Boston and 
Roxbuty. He was very prosperous, and finally became able to redeem the author of 
his success, and pursue his business without embarrassment. After a few years of 
constant activity, he acquired sufficient property to purchase a plantation of 3,500 
acres in Killingly. The gold ring was transmitted as a sort of talisman, to his only 
son Nell, who transferred it to his only son Nell ; who is now living at an advanced age, 
and has already placed it in the hands of his grandson Nell ; and so it will doubtless 



KILLINGLY. 



431 



continue from Nell to Nell, agreeably to the request of the first Nell, until the " last 
knell of the race is tolled !" 

In order to view the scenery to advantage, the observer should station himself on an 
eminence north of the lake in question. The eye first meets a broadly extended sur- 
face of water, with a beautiful margin of sand and pebbles, skirted by woods of tall 
trees. A little further south appears a part of the lake 
smaller than the first, containing a beautiful little island, call- 
ed Loon's island, frequented by all kinds of birds of passage 
at different seasons of the year. Eagles not ^infrequently 
alight here in their passage north and south. The fullest 
extent of the lake is one mile. Its form is very accu- 
rately represented in the annexed sketch. Want of space 
"will not allow us to be very minute in describing it. Its 
beauties seem to have struck even the rude early settlers 
with admiration. We have been favored with the remains 
of a poem, written in a moment of inspiration. It was dis- 
covered in an old garret, and bears upon it the marks of 
time. We could recover only the following fragment, not 
remarkable for preserving very correct rhyme and measure, 
yet valuable as affording a specimen of the quaint style of 
those times. 

" Betweene Five Mile and Q.uinebaug, 

Which sounding through rockye Vales loud and hoarse, 

From every Hill and Meadow Bog 

Receive Supplies, and onward bende theire Course ; 

Enclosed around by Groves and various Trees, 

With Shore of Sand and Skye of Blue, 

With Water gently ruffled by the Breeze, 

Lake Mashapaug douthe meete oure View !" 




To account for the origin of this lake, a singular tradition has been 
handed down to us by the aborigines. It is as follows : 

" In ancient times, when the red men of this quarter had long enjoyed prosperity, 
that is, when they had found plenty of game in the woods, and fish in the ponds and 
rivers, they at length fixed a time for a general powwow, a sort of festival for eating, 
drinking, smoking, singing and dancing. The spot chosen for this purpose was a 
sandy hill, or mountain, covered with tall pines, occupying the situation where the 
lake now lies. The powwow lasted four days in succession, and was to continue longer 
had not the Great Spirit, enraged at the licentiousness which prevailed there, resolved 
to punish them. Accordingly, while the red people in immense numbers were caper- 
ing about upon the summit of the mountain, it suddenly "gave way" beneath them, 
and sunk to a great U e P tn > when the water from below rushed up and covered them 
all except one good old squaw, who occupied one of the peaks, which now bears the 
name of Loon's Island. Whether the tradition is entitled to credit or not we will 
do it justice by affirming that in a clear day, when there is no wind and the sur- 
face of the lake is smooth, the huge trunks and leafless branches of gigantic pines 
maybe occasionally seen in the deepest part of the water, some of them reaching 
almost to the surface, in such huge and fantastic forms as to cause the beholder to 
startle ! 

As regards the other portions of the scenery there is nothing remark- 
able. The hills are still covered with forests ; but the vales, through 
which flow the principal rivers, are lined with factory villages. The 
population of the town is now about 4,000. The ancient forests are 
fast yielding to the axe of the farmer, who supplies the villages with 
wood. The game in the woods, and fish in the ponds and rivers, are 
not as plenty as formerly, to the regret of the old inhabitants, who look 
upon factories and other improvements as an evil. The soil is hard, 
but productive under proper cultivation. The animals reared upon it 
are robust and healthy. The same may be said of the inhabitants. 
This town, however, has possessed no very distinguished man " who 
have gone off the stage." 



432 



KILLING LY. 



Yet it were injustice not to mention the name of one no longer living, who became 
celebrated in the chase. I mean Mr. Prosper Lcffingwell, a respected resident of this 
place, who, though he followed the humble occupation of hunting, yet became so ex- 
pert, and enjoyed a reputation so widely extended, that I might deeply wound the 
feelings of all his now aged companions in the same profession, who revere him as a 
superior spirit, were I to omit to notice him in speaking of this town. It were useless 
to attempt to detail all the events which marked the career of this famous sportsman. 
He was the terror of the foxes and rabbits for ten miles around. Many instances I 
might relate to illustrate the degree of skill to which he attained, but let one suffice. 
It is said that on one occasion, while returning home from hunting, he met three foxes 
advancing towards him " all in a row." As his gun was not loaded, he seized a stone 
and directed it as well as he was able, in a straight line towards their heads. Won- 
derful to tell, he brought them all down! He gazed a moment in astonishment. He 
found he had struck the first in the nose, the second in the hip, and the third in the 
forehead — all with the same stone ! The first was not quite dead, the second was 
badly lamed, but the third showed no signs of life whatever. While chasing the 
second, the first recovered and scampered away. Had he sprung upon them the 
moment he saw them fall, he might have secured the three. 

Killingly is the greatest cotton manufacturing town in the state. 
Of the cotton factories we give the following recent statement. 



On the White-Stone Brook. 


Spindles. 


On the Five Mile. 


Spindles. 


Hon. Ebenezer Young's, 


- 2,500 


Killingly Factory, 


- 1,628 


Richard Bartlett's, 


- 400 


Ballou's, 


- 1,500 


Leffingwell's, 


- 3,000 


Amesbury's, - 


- 1,500 


Valley Mills, - 


- 1,200 


Ruggles's, 


- 2,000 


A.F. Alexander's, 


- 1,200 


Dayville, 


- 1,500 


Thomas Pray h Co., 


- 1,200 


Danielson, 


- 2,800 


Hutchins, - 


- 1,500 


Williams's, on Quinnebaug, 2,500 



Total, - - 11,000 | Total, - - - 13,428 

Total for the whole town, — 24,428 spindles, with looms in propor- 
tion. The trade is carried on mostly with Providence, R. I. Besides 
these cotton factories, there are 3 woolen mills, 1 furnace, and 1 axe 
factory. There are but few other manufactories of much consequence. 

" Pleasant Valley" contains the first six cotton factories enumerated 
in the list. The villages are all in sight of each other, and make a 
beautiful view from the top of Chesnut hill. 

Dayville is a thriving little village. It is attractive for its neat ap- 
pearance, and for a bridge composed of two finely constructed stone 
arches, each 25 feet broad and twelve feet high. 

Danielsonville is an important village at the junction of the Quinne- 
baug and Five Mile rivers, 3 miles east of Brooklyn, 25 miles north 
of Norwich city, 43 miles east of Hartford, and 37 miles south of 
Worcester. 

The following view shows the appearance of Danielsonville as it is 
entered from the west, upon the Brooklyn road. The four story build- 
ing with a steeple, is the Danielsonville cotton factory, containing 
1,800 spindles ; between this building and the observer, the bridge over 
the Quinnebaug is seen. 

As regards natural resources, Killingly abounds in them. Breack- 
neck hill, a considerable eminence between the White Stone brook and 
Five Mile river, bears on its elevated surface numerous quarries of free 
stone. These quarries rise above the general surface, presenting ab- 



KILLINGLY 



433 




Wehtern view of Danielsonville, Killingly. 

rupt, and in some cases lofty precipices to the east, and gentle slopes 
to the west. The stone is of a high order. It is obtained in slabs of 
almost every dimension, and is nearly perfectly even in structure, pre- 
senting, if any, at least very slight inequalities. It is very hard, and 
therefore little liable to break in removing it from the quarry. It has a 
uniform color, approaching to white. As the slabs of this rock lie in 
an inclined position, they can be detached with the most perfect facil- 
ity. There are other kinds of slate rock in Killingly, which have the 
appearance of granite, but are quite soft, and consequently more easily 
wrought for the purpose of building. The latter kind lies most abun- 
dant about Killingly pond. There is still another kind of slate rock sit- 
uated at the south parish. Its composition is granular quartz, and it 
possesses a color nearly or entirely white. It is a very valuable stone 
for walks, inasmuch as it is quite soft and yielding. It is obtained in 
slabs, but is mostly below the general surface of the ground, and is not 
so regular in its structure as the other kinds mentioned. When the 
Norwich and Worcester rail road shall have been completed, these 
stones will become a source of gain to the owners, who could easily 
transport them to New York. Under present circumstances, however^ 
being at the distance of 22 miles from Providence, which is the near- 
est seaport, the profit of traffic in this article is inconsiderable, and con- 
sequently but few stones have been taken away. 

Mashentuck hill next deserves mention. It is a considerable emi- 
nence, comprising a circuit of two or three miles, terminating in an ab- 
rupt steep at the southern extremity of " Pleasant Valley," and " bear- 
ing on its back'' a rich bed of porcelain clay, which has been pro- 
nounced by competent judges to equal the best French or Chinese clay. 
The feldspar, too, accompanies it in a solid form, and is abundant, h 
was discovered while digging a well. For a few feet below the surface 
of the ground, the clay was mixed somewhat with vegetable matter ; 

55 



434 



PLAINFIELD. 



but at the depth of 10 feet it became perfectly white and pure. In fine, 
it became, in the graphic language of those who dug the well, " like 
lard !" The well was dug twenty feet farther, when the project of 
perforating the whole bed was abandoned. The clay was then care- 
fully examined, and found perfectly free from grit. The sides of the 
well presented to the eye alternate layers of clay and feldspar. The 
latter substance had a brilliant appearance like ice. 



PLAINFIELD 



" In June, 1659, Gov. Winthrop obtained liberty of the Assembly, 
to purchase a large tract at Quinnebaug. Soon after, he made a pur- 
chase of Allups, alias Hyemps, and Mashaushawit, the native proprie- 
tors of the lands comprised in the townships of Plainfield and Canter- 
bury, lying on both sides of Quinnebaug river. There was a small 
number of families on the lands at the time of the purchase, but the 
planters were few until the year 1689, when a number of people, 
chiefly from {Massachusetts, made a purchase of the heirs of Gov. Win- 
throp, and began settlements in the northern part of the tract. At their 
session in May, 1699, the General Assembly vested the inhabitants with 
town privileges. The next year it was named Plainfield."* 

Plainfield is bounded n. by Killingly, e. by Sterling, w. by Canter- 
bury, and s. by Griswold and Voluntown. It is about 8 miles long from 
north to south, and about 5 wide. The eastern section of the town is 
rough and broken, being hilly and stony. The hills are considerably 
elevated and continuous, forming ridges, extending in a northerly and 
southerly direction. The western section is an extensive plain, the 
surface being level, and the soil a light sandy loam, which is cultivated 
with facility, being fertile and well adapted to a grain culture. When 
this town was first settled by the whiles, these plains were free from 
timber, and admitted of immediate cultivation. From the great quan- 
tities of corn raised here, this place was called the Egypt of the sur- 
rounding settlements. There is at present considerable manufacturing 
business carried on in this town, principally cotton and woolen factories, 
the most of which are in the little manufacturing villages called Union- 
ville and Centerville, situated on Moosup river, a fine mill stream which 
discharges its waters into the Quinnebaug. There are four houses of 
worship in the town, 2 for Baptists, 1 for Congregationalists, and 1 for 
Friends or Quakers. 

The Indians were numerous at the time the town was first settled, 
amounting to 400 or 500. They continued for many years with the 
English, living in the most friendly manner. " The Gospel (says Dr. 
Trumbull) hath had by far the most happy effect upon the Quinnebaug 
or Plainfield Indians, of any in Connecticut. They ever lived peacea- 
bly with the English, and about the year 1745, in the time of the great 

* Dr. Trumbull. 



PLAINFIELD. 



43J 



awakening and reformation in New England, they became greatly af- 
fected with the truths of the Gospel, professed Christianity, and gave 
the strongest evidence of a real conversion to God. They were filled 
with the knowledge of salvation, and expressed it to admiration. They 
were entirely reformed as to the manner of their living. They became 
temperate, and abstained from drinking to excess, which it had before 
been found utterly impossible to effect by any-other means. They held 
religious meetings, and numbers of them formed into church state, and 
had the sacraments administered to them." 











Western view of Plain field. 

The above is a representation of the Congregational church, Plain- 
field Academy, and some of the adjacent buildings, as seen from the 
burying ground, about half a mile westward from the church. Plain- 
field Academy (seen eastward from the church in the engraving) is one 
of the most respectable institutions of the kind in the state. It was in- 
corporated in 1783. The higher branches of education are taught, and 
there are generally 3 or 4 instructors attached to the institution. The 
Academy stands on a commanding eminence, from which there is a fine 
and extensive prospect in almost every direction. This place is 41 
miles east from Hartford, 30 west from Providence, 15 from Norwich, 
and 8 from Brooklyn. It is said that the first settlers located them- 
selves on the banks of a small stream, about 80 rods west of the Con- 
gregational church, and also on Black Hill,* situated between two and 
three miles to the northwest, near the Quinnebaug. 

A remarkable instance of healing took place in this town in 1743, in 
the case of Mrs. Mercy Wheeler. The account was drawn up by the 
Rev. Benjamin Lord, A. M., evidently with a great deal of care and 

* So called (it is said) from its black appearance at the first settlement of the town : 
the Indians were accustomed to burn it over every year, in order to make good pastur- 
age for deer. 



436 



PLAIN FIELD 



accuracy. The pamphlet contains the deposition of the physician (Dr. 
James Girauld) and a number of respectable people, given under oath, 
certifying to the fact of her immediate healing. At the time, it was 
considered as an evident interposition of divine providence. Mrs. 
Wheeler was favored with good health till her twentieth year, in 1726, 
when she was seized with a nervous fever, and was reduced to almost 
unexampled weakness of body, so that for about five years she could 
not turn her head on her pillow ; her speech failed, and her sight was 
very much impaired. After this she recovered in some little degree, 
though for sixteen years she was not able to lift up a foot to take a step. 
The account states, " that her ankle bones were exceedingly loose and 
separate, by reason of the long and great relaxation of the nerves and 
tendons, that she could in no wise lift them up and use them, as per- 
sons are want to do, that yet have no strength to walk without help : 
yea, so loose and separate were they, that a string must sometimes be 
used about her feet and ankles, to keep her feet in any properposition, 
as she lay in the bed. And also, her knee bones were so weak and 
loose, that after she was able to turn herself in bed, she sometimes put 
them out in doing this." Mrs. Wheeler being of a pious disposition of 
mind, a sermon, at her request, was occasionally preached at her fa- 
ther's house. It was on one of these occasions, (May 25th, 1743,) 
that she experienced her great deliverance. Mr. Lord was the minis- 
ter who preached the sermon at the time she was healed. The ac- 
count states : — 

" And no sooner was he [Mr. Lord] gone from her, but it turned in her mind — The 
Lecture is ended, and the service all over, and I am not healed ; what is become of my 
faith now ? Won't ii be with me as it used to be ? Whereupon a cloud of great dark- 
ness came over her, for a minute or two: in which time she was led again into herself, 
to see what a poor unworthy creature she was, and had some such thoughts of the wis- 
dom and goodness of God's will, that she felt a disposition to be as God would have her 
be. Then those words were repeated to her — // thou wilt believe, thou shalt see the 
glory of God. By which her darkness was carried off, and under the influence of this 
word now, she seemed (?s she expressed it) to be wholly taken out of herself, into the 
hands of God, and enabled to believe that he could and would heal her. Immediately 
upon which, she felt a strange irresistible motion and shaking, which began first with 
her hands, and quickly spreading over her whole frame ; in which time she felt a kind 
of weight upon her; a sort of racking of her frame ; every joint, as it were working; 
and as if she was with hands squeezed together in her weak places. As this trembling 
went off, her pains went with it, and she felt strong, especially in the seat of life, where 
she had been most remarkably weak; and from thence strength diffused itself all over 
her animal frame, into her hips, knees, ankles, &c. She felt strong and well, as if she 
had no disease upon her, and was under no difficulty. And as she had this sensation 
of new strength and freedom, she felt as if she was a raising up, and must rise; and 
immediately rose up and walked away among the people, with evident sprightliness 
and vigor, to theastonishment of herself and those about her. She went this time near 
16 feel, crying out, ' Bless Uie Lord Jesus, who has healed me!' But was soon damped 
with this thought, that she was only in a phrenzy, and not healed ; and the more so 
when Mr. Lord {surprised at seeing her walk thus, whom he had just before left im- 
potent and overcome too, so that she could hardly talk) did observe to her that she was 
in a phrenzy, and accordingly took hold of her and led her to the bed, and bid her sit 
down ; yea, even thrust her down. But she could not be confined there ; feeling yet 
strong and at liberty, she quickly rose up again, with those words in her mind, I have 
loved thee with everlasting love, and with the high praises of God in her month. Her 
soul being filled with such admiration and love, as she declared was inexpressible. 
Now she walked several times across the room with strength and steadiness; which 
even constrained the people to think and say, verily, this is the power of God ! And 
they wondered, and praised the same. And it was about six o'clock in the afternoon, 
when the thing was done, at which they all marvelled, and having united in a prayer, 



POMFRET. 437 

and in praise, on this remarkable occasion, they were dismissed to theirseveral homes r 
still wondering and rejoicing Jit what their eyes had beheld, and their ears had heard 
that day." 

The following inscriptions are from monuments in the grave yard 
west of the Congregational church. 

In memory of the Rev. Mr. Joseph Coit, V. D. M. first pastor of ye chh. of Christ 
in Plainiield, who continued in his office 44 years. Obiit. July ye 1, 1750, M. 11 years. 



The good man needs no eulogy, his memorial is in heaven. The Rev. Joel Bene- 
dict, D. D., born at Salem, stale of New York, Jan. 1745, died at Plainfield, Feb. 13th, 
1816. Religion that cheers the death scene, endears the sepulcher. Filial affection 
reared this monument, to indicate the spot where the dust of a Father reposes. 



In memory of Capt. John Cady, of Plain field. He was of an engaging aspect and 
deportment: his genius, naturally elevated, was cultivated by reading and intercourse 
with mankind. He had a happy facility in the dispatch of business; was exemplary 
in the discharge of every social duty, civil or domestic. A professor of the christian 
faith, a blessing to mankind. He rests not here ; he was drowned returniug from 
New York, Nov. 28lh, 1783, in the 40th year of his age. 

The glory of man is as the flower of the Field. 



To the memory of John Earnest Miller. This stone is erected by the family of the 
Jate Anthony Bradford, Esq. He was a native of Germany, and belonged to the troops 
under Gen. Burgoyne, but chose their home for the rest of his days, and after a long 
course of kind and faithful services, died Feb. 14th, 1716, aged 80 years. 



POMFRET. 



Pomfret was first settled in 1686, and incorporated as a town in 
1713. " In October, 1687, a grant of lands, commonly called the Ma- 
shamoquet purchase, was made by the General Assembly, to Major 
James Fitch, Lieutenant William Ruggles, Mr. John Gore, Mr. John 
Pierpont, Mr. John Chandler, Mr. Benjamin Sabin, Mr. Samuel Craft, 
Mr. John Grosvenor, Mr. Joseph Griffin, Mr. Samuel and John Rug- 
gles, and Mr. Nathan Wilson. The most of these planters were from 
Roxbury in Massachusetts. Some of them moved on to the lands be- 
fore the grant was made. At the session in May, 1713, the inhabitants 
were incorporated with town privileges. The name was changed from 
Mashamoquet to Pomfret. 

Pomfret is bounded n. by Woodstock and Thompson, e. by the 
Quinnebaug, separating it from Killingly, s. by Brooklyn and Hamp- 
ton, and w. by Ashford. Its length from east to west is about seven 
miles, and its breadth about five. It is divided into two societies or 
parishes, Pomfret and Abington. The surface of the township is un- 
even, and diversified by hills and vales. The lands, though somewhat 
stony, are rich and productive. The soil is deep, strong and fertile, 
and admirably adapted to grazing. Butter, cheese and pork are the 
staple productions of the town. There is an extensive cotton factory 
at Pomfretville, a little village on the Quinnebaug, at the northeastern 
corner of the town. 



438 



POMFRET, 




South view of the Friends' Meeting House, Pomfret. 

The above is a south view of the Friends' meeting house, situated 
upwards of a mile south of the central part of the town, a little of}' the 
main, and on a cross road. It is encircled by forest trees, within the 
edge of which it is situated, and has an air of seclusion from the world ; 
both the situation and form of the building are novel in their appear- 
ance. The two doors, in a kind of porch seen in front of the building, 
are the entrances into the meeting house, the men taking one, and the 
women the other. The house inside is partly divided by a partition, 
the men occupying one part of the house, and the women the other. 
There are four other houses of worship in the town, 2 Congregational, 
1 Baptist, and 1 Episcopal. The most populous part of the township is 
in the vicinity of the Baptist church, which is 7 miles from Brooklyn, 
40 from Hartford, 30 from Providence, 27 from Norwich, and 60 from 
Boston. There are 3 post offices in this town, one in the central part 
of the town, one in Abington, and one about 3 miles s. e. of the Con- 
gregational church in Pomfret, in a place called Pomfret Landing. 
This last place is said to have derived its name from the circumstance, 
that in ancient times a tavern used to be kept here, at which young 
men from Woodstock, Providence, and other places, used to stop, or 
land, and in some instances remain two or three days, carousing, &,c. 

The following is a representation of the entrance of the celebrated 
"Wolf Den," rendered so famous for the exploit of Gen. Putnam. 
It is in the society of Abington, about two miles southwest from the 
Congregational church. The following is from Gen. Humphreys' Life 
of Putnam. 

" In the year 1739, lie [Gen. Putnam,] removed from Salem to Pomfret, an inland 
fertile town m Connecticut, forty miles east of Bartford: having here purchased a 
considerable tracl of land, he applied himself successfully to agriculture. 

" The first years on a new farm, are nol however exempl from disasters and disap- 
pointments, which can only be remedied by stubborn and patient industry. Our farm- 



POMFRET. 



439 




Putnam's Wolf Den, Fomfret. 

er, sufficiently occupied in building an house and barn, felling woods, making fences, 
sowing grain, planting orchards and taking care of his stock, had to encounter, in turn, 
the calamities occasioned by a drought in summer, blast in harvest, loss of cattle in 
winter, and the desolation of his sheep-fold by wolves. In one night he had seventy 
fine sheep and goats killed, besides many lambs and kids wounded. This havoc was 
committed by a she wolf, which with her annual whelps, had for several years infested 
the vicinity. The young were commonly destroyed by the vigilance of the hunters, 
but the old one was too sagacious to come within reach of gunshot: upon being closely 
pursued she would generally fly to the western woods, and return the next winter with 
another litter of whelps. 

" This wolf at length became such an intolerable nuisance, that Mr. Putnam enter- 
ed into a combination with five of his neighbors to hunt alternately until they could 
destroy her. Two by rotation, were to be constantly in pursuit. It was known, that 
having lost the toes from one foot, by a steel trap, she made one track shorter than 
the other. By this vestige, the pursuers recognized in a light snow, the route of this 
pernicious animal. Having followed her to Connecticut river and found she had 
turned back in a direct course towards Pomfret, they immediately returned, and by 
ten o'clock the next morning, the blood-hounds had driven her into a den, about three 
miles distant from the house of Mr. Putnam. The people soon collected with dogs, 
guns, straw, fire and sulphur, to attack the common enemy. With this apparatus sev- 
eral unsuccessful efforts were made to force her from the den. The hounds came 
back badly wounded and refused to return. The smoke of blazing straw had no ef- 
fect. Nor did the fumes of burnt brimstone, with which the cavern was filled, compel 
her to quit the retirement. Wearied with such fruitless attempts, (which had brought 
the time to ten o'clock at night,) Mr. Putnam tried once more to make his dog enter, 
but in vain; he proposed to his negro man to go down into the cavern and shoot the 
wolf: the negro declined the hazardous service. Then it was that the master, angry 
at the disappointment, and declaring that he was ashamed to have a coward in his 
family, resolved himself to destroy the ferocious beast, lest she should escape through 
some unknown fissure of the rock. His neighbors strongly remonstrated against the 
perilous enterprise: but he, knowing that wild animals were intimidated by fire, and 
having provided several strips of birch bark, the only combustible material which he 
could obtain, that would afford light in this deep and darksome enve, prepared for his 
descent. Having accordingly divested himself of his coat and waistcoat, and having 
a lone: rope fastened around his legs, by which he might be pulled back, at a concerted 
signal, he entered head foremost with the blazing torch in his hand. 

" The aperture of the den, on the east side of a very high ledge of rocks, is about 
two feet square; from thence it proceeds obliquely fifteen feet, then running horizon- 
tally about ten more, it ascends gradually sixteen feet towards its termination. The 
sides of this subterraneous cavity are composed of smooth and solid rocks, which seem 
to have been divided from each other by some former earthquake. The top and bot- 



440 STERLING. 

torn are also of stone, and the entrance in winter, being covered with ice, is exceeding- 
ly slippery. It is in no place high enough lor a man to raise himself upright, nor in 
any part more than three feet in width. 

" Having groped his passage to the horizontal part of the den, the most terrifying 
darkness appeared in front of the dim circle of light afforded by his torch. It was 
silent as the house of death. None but monsters of the desert had ever before explored 
this solitary mansion of horror. He cautiously proceeding onward came to the ascent ; 
which he slowly mounted on his hands and knees until he discovered the glaring eye- 
balls of the vvolf, who was sitting at the extremity of the cavern. Started at the sight 
of fire, she gnashed her teeth, and gave a sudden growl. As soon as he had made the 
necessary discovery, he kicked the rope as a signal for pulling him out. The people 
at the mouth of the den, who had listened with painful anxiety, hearing the growl of 
the wolf, and supposing their friend to be in the most imminent danger, drew him 
forth with such celerity that his shirt was stripped over his head and his skin severely 
lacerated. After he had adjusted his clothes, and loaded his gun with nine buck-shot, 
holding a torch in one hand and the musket in the other, he descended the second 
time. When he drew nearer than before, the wolf assuming a still more fierce and 
terrible appearance, howling, rolling her eyes, snapping her teeth, and dropping her 
head between her legs, was evidently in the attitude and on the point of springing at 
him. At this critical instant he leveled and fired at her head. Stunned by the shock, 
and suffocated with the smoke, he immediately found himself drawn out of the cave. 
But having refreshed himself, and permitted the smoke to dissipate, he went down 
the third time. Once more he came within sight of the wolf, who appearing very 
passive, he applied the>orch to her nose, and perceiving her dead, he took hold of her 
ears, and then kicking the rope, (still tied round his legs,) the people above, with no 
small exultation, dragged them both out together." 



STERLING. 



Sterling, formerly a part of Voluntown, was incorporated as a town 
in 1794. The town is of an oblong shape, 8 miles in length from north 
to south, and has an average breadth of three. It is bounded n. by Kil- 
lingly, e. by the Rhode Island line, s. by Voluntown, and w. by Plain- 
field. The face of the township is generally uneven, but there are some 
sections of pine plains. The soil is a light gravelly and sandy loam. The 
land is best adapted to a grain culture. The town is watered by two 
branches of the Moosup river, on which are four cotton factories. There 
is one house of worship in Sterling, which is for the Baptist denomina- 
tion, and is situated in the eastern part of the town. This house is up- 
wards of 3 miles east of Plainfield, and about 10 s. e. from Brooklyn. 

" Near the center of this town, there is a cavern, called the Devil's 
Den, possessing very singular and curious features. It is situated with- 
in a ledge of rocks, and has a circular area of about 100 feet in diame- 
ter. The rock is cleft in two places, forming at each a chasm or fis- 
sure about fifty feet in depth, through one of which there runs a small 
stream of water; the other communicates with a room about 12 feet 
square, at the interior part of which there is a fire place, and a chim- 
ney extending through the rock above, forming an aperture of about 
3 feet square. In another part of the rock there is a natural stair-case, 
winding around it from the bottom to the top. In the cold season of 
the year, a large mass of ice is formed in the room above described, 
by the dashing of water down the chimney, which continues there 
through nearly the whole of the warm months ; the sun being almost 
excluded from this subterranean recess."* 



* Pease and Niles' Gazetteer. 



THOMPSON. 441 



T H O M P S O IS 



Thompson was formerly a part of Killingly, and was settled about 
1715. It was incorporated as a distinct town in 1785. It is said to 
have derived its name from the circumstance of a considerable part of 
the township being owned by a Mr. Thompson, of England. A part 
of the land was held in his name till about the year 1800. " It is diffi- 
cult to ascertain who were the first settlers of the town. It was mostly 
covered by royal patents to Thompson, Saltonstall, Wolcotts, Hum- 
phry Davy, and others. The first old parchment deed is now in the 
museum* in Thompson, dated April 10th, 1716, and is from Josiah 
Wolcott, and Mary his wife, of Salem, Mass. to John Sabin, and is for 
400 or 500 acres in the center of the town, and bounded on the above 
old royal grants." The eastern part of the town was formerly called 
Quaduc or Quanduck. Thompson forms the northeastern corner of 
the county and state : it is bounded n. by Massachusetts, e. by Rhode 
Island, s. by Killingly, and w. by Woodstock, and Pom fret. The 
township is nearly eight miles square, and comprises an area of 59 
square miles. The Quinnebaug passes through the eastern part of the 
town ; in its course it receives the French river. Thompson is a rich 
agricultural and manufacturing town, and the inhabitants are dis- 
tinguished for their spirit of enterprise. The surface of the township 
exhibits an interesting variety of hills and valleys ; many of the hills 
are quite elevated, but no portion of it can be called mountainous. 
The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, strong and dry, well adapted to 
the culture of Indian corn, wheat and clover, and generally excellent 
for grazing. There is a great supply of valuable stone for walls and 
buildings. There are 4 houses of worship in the town, 2 for Baptists, 
1 Congregational, and 1 Methodist. 

The following is a southern view of the Congregational church and 
other buildings in the vicinity, in the central part of the town. The 
village, which is situated on a commanding eminence, consists of about 
30 well built dwelling houses, 4 mercantile stores, 1 bank, (the Thomp- 
son bank,) and a printing office. At the time the following drawing 
was taken, a new Baptist church was erecting. It is situated a few 
rods north of the Congregational church. This place is 14 miles from 
Brooklyn, 34 from Norwich, 47 from Hartford, 27 from Providence and 
53 from Boston. There are in the town 6 or 7 cotton factories, which 
do an extensive business. There are also two or three woolen factories. 

Masonville, on French river, is perhaps the largest manufacturing 
village in the town, and is ahout a mile and a half from the center. 
The factory at this place was formerly called the " Swamp Factory," 
from its being situated in a marshy spot. Fishersville is about a mile 
north, on the same stream. The village of New Boston is situated in 
the northwest corner of the town, about six miles from the center ; the 
village is built on both sides of the Quinnebaug. 

* The museum of Mr. Davis, contains the largest and best collection in Geology oi 
any in the countv. 

56 



442 



THOMPSON 




South vieiv of Thompson, [central part.) 

Thompson was a favorite residence of the Nipmuck Indians. Quinna- 
tisset, one of their chiefs, had a splendid wigwam near where the present 
Congregational church now stands ; their strong hold, however, was on 
Fort hill, about three fourths of a mile easterly ; the foundations of 
their fortress can now be traced. The adjoining forests, now covered 
with ancient trees, still display their corn fields, in rows and hills, as re- 
gular as the best farmer would now have them. The neighboring 
streams and ponds afforded them great supplies of fish. The Char- 
goggagoggmonchogoggogg Pond, situated partly in this town, and 
partly in Webster, Mass. is said to be sixty miles in circumference, if 
followed in all its indentations. It is studded with beautiful islands, and 
was considered the paradise of the Nipmucks and their women. There 
fish and game were in abundance, and there, they believed, were the 
enchanted islands and Elysian Fields, the abode of departed souls, and 
the residence of the Great Spirit. 

Thompson was made a society, for ecclesiastical purposes, by the 
General Assembly, in their session in May, 1728. It was called 
Thompson parish, being then a part of the town of Killingly. The 
first sermon ever preached in the place was by a Mr. Wales, on the 
first Sunday in August of that year. On Feb. 25th, 1730, a church 
consisting of 27 members was organized, and on the same day the 
Rev. Marston Cabot, from Salem, Mass. was ordained their first minis- 
ter. The attending cleroy on this occasion were Mr. Coit from Plain- 
field, Mr. Throope of Woodstock, Mr. Fisk of Killingly, Mr. Hale of 
Ashford, and Mr. Williams of Pom fret. "Mr. Cabot was a man of 
great piety, and of most amiable and engaging manners, and a descen- 
dant of the famous Sebastian Cabot. He died in the midst of his labors, 
in his pulpit, from a fit, in 1755." 

The next minister was the Rev. Noadiah Russell, from Middletown, 
who was ordained Nov. 19th, 1757. The clergymen present were 



V O L U N T O W N . WINDHAM. 443 

Mr. Putnam of Pomfret, Mr. Russell's father from Middletown, his 
brother from Windsor, and Mr. Gleason from Dudley. Mr. Russell 
also died in a fit of aploplexy, at Mendon, on a journey for his health, 
in October, 1795. The Rev. Daniel Dow, the present minister, suc- 
ceeded Mr. Russell, and was ordained in April, 1796 ; making but 
three ministers in 107 years. 



VOLUNTOWN 



Voluntown was incorporated in 1719. The greater part of the 
tract now comprising the town, was granted in 1696 to the volunteers 
in the Narragansett war, from which circumstance the town derives its 
name. " From the first settlement of the colony," says Dr. Trum- 
bull, " it had been customary to make grants of lands to officers, sol- 
diers and others, who had been especially serviceable to the colony. 
Grants had been made to Major Mason, to his officers and soldiers in 
the Pequot war. This encouraged the volunteers, who had perform- 
ed such signal feats in the Narragansett war, to make application to 
the Assembly for the grant of a new township, as an acknowledgment 
of their services." 

Voluntown is bounded n. by Sterling and Plainfield, e. by Rhode 
Island, s. by North Stonington, and w. by Griswold. It is about 9 
miles in length, and averages more than 4 in breadth. The surface is 
generally diversified by hills and valleys, but there are some sections of 
pine plains which are level. The prevailing character of the soil is 
that of a light, sandy and gravelly loam. There are 2 houses of wor- 
ship in the town, 1 Congregational and 1 Baptist. A Congregational 
church stands on the dividing line between this town and Sterling, and 
is called the " Line Meeting House." In the western part of the 
town, there are 1 woolen and 2 cotton factories. The central part 
of the town is about 14 miles from Norwich. 



WINDHAM. 



In February, 1675, Joshua, son of Uncas, the Mohegan sachem, by 
his last will, gave unto Capt. John Mason, James Fitch, and fourteen 
others, commonly called Joshua's legatees, the tract containing the 
town of Windham, which originally included the present towns of 
Mansfield and Canterbury. In May, 16S6, the main street in Wind- 
ham was laid out, and fourteen lots for the legatees were surveyed. 
Other roads were made, lots surveyed, and purchases made for settle- 
ment in the two following years. " Lieut. John Cates,* a pious puri- 

* His monument is still remaining in the burying ground south of the village : the 
following is a copy of the inscription, viz. "In memory of Mr. John Cates. He was 
a gentleman born in England, and the first setteller in the Town of Windham. By 
his last Will and Testament, he gave a generous Legacy to ye first church of Christ 



444 



WINDHAM 



tan, who served in the wars in England, holding his commission under 
Cromwell, when Charles II. came to the throne, fled to this country 
for safety. He landed first in Virginia, where he procured a negro 
servant to attend him. But when advertisements and pursuers were 
spread through this country, to apprehend the adherents of the Protec- 
tor, he left Virginia, came to New York, and from thence to Norwich. 
Still feeling that he should be securer in a more retired place, he came 
to the new plantation, dug the first cellar, and with his servant, raised 
in Windham the first English habitation, in the spring of 1689. The 
settlers, rapidly increasing, petitioned the General Court, and obtained 
a grant of town privileges in May, 1692."f It was made a county 
town in May, 17-26 ; the grand list in 1768 was about £30,000, and 
the number of inhabitants 3,500. 




X 



■ — 's - -^-gf=^-WgasSfc.T«Km?Mrfi:' 



Eastern view oj Windham. 

The present town of Windham is bounded north by the towns of 
Hampton, Chaplin and Mansfield, east by Canterbury, south by Frank- 
lin and Lisbon, and west by Lebanon and Columbia. The township 
has a mean length from east to west of about eight miles, with a me- 
dium breadth of nearly six miles. The surface of the town is gen- 
erally hilly, particularly the eastern part, comprising the parish of Scot- 
land. The soil in the western part, bordering on the Shetucket. is 
rather light and dry ; there is, however, a considerable tract of fertile 
land in this section of the town. 

The above is a view of the central part of the ancient village of 
Windham. The houses are more clustered together than in most New 
England villages which were built at the same period, and it has been 



in Windham, in plate, and a generous Legacy in Land for ye support of ye Poor, and 
another Legacy tor ye support of ve School in said Town for ever. He died in 
Windham, July ye 16th, A. D. 1697." Josiah Manning. 



t Mr. Watennae's Cen'ury Sermon. 



WINDHAM. 445 

remarked by travelers, that Windham, in its general appearance, very 
much resembles an English village. The Congregational church is 
seen nearly in the center of the engraving. Dr. Dwight, in the third 
volume of his travels, in noticing this building, pleasantly remarks, " that 
the spot where it is posited, bears not a little resemblance to a pound ; 
and it appears as if those who pitched upon it, intended to shut the 
church out of the town, and the inhabitants out of the church." Wind- 
ham village is 30 miles east of Hartford, 14 from Norwich city, and 
44 west of Providence. Since the removal of the seat of justice for 
the county to Brooklyn, and the establishment of the nourishing village 
of Willirnantic, on the western border of the town, the ancient village 
of Windham has somewhat declined. It is said that there were more 
buildings in Windham village previous to the Revolution, than there 
has been at any time since. There are now in the place six mercantile 
stores, and about 60 dwelling houses. There are two houses of wor- 
ship, one Congregational and one Episcopal. There is one bank in 
the town. 

It is said there was originally a handsome square laid out in the cen- 
ter of the village. While some of the principal men were absent, and 
at a time when party spirit was prevailing, a vote of the town was ob- 
tained for selling off the principal part of the square for building lots, 
and it was accordingly used for that purpose. This is stated to be the 
cause of the singular situation of the church, and the clustered appear- 
ance of the village. 

The Rev. Samuel Whiting was the first minister in Windham ; he 
was born in 1670, and was the son of the Rev. John Whiting, minis- 
ter of Hartford. He received his early education from his father, and 
afterwards finished his education for the ministry under the direction of 
the Rev. James Fitch of Norwich, there being no college in Connecti- 
cut at that time. At the first town meeting in Windham, June 11th, 
1692, it was voted to apply to Mr. Whiting to carry on the work of the 
ministry. Previous to this, those whose circumstances would admit, 
used to attend meeting at Norwich, the distance of twelve miles, in a 
rough and unsubdued road. " Tradition says, and from the records it ap- 
pears it may say correctly, that the first sermon Mr. Whiting preached 
at Windham, was on the first day of the week, and the first day of the 
year, from the first chapter of the Bible, and from the first verse." In 
May, 1693, as an inducement to tarry with them four years, they of- 
fered him £50 a year, an allotment through all the division lots, and 
to build him a house two stories high and 18 feet square. The land 
was laid out to him, and for the first year, instead of a house, they 
added £10 to his salary. In 1696, they built him a house; in 1697, 
they gave him a call to ordination. In 1699, it was repeated, and 80 
loads of wood added to his salary. In December, 1700, he was or- 
dained, and the first church was gathered. His salary was afterwards 
raised to £100, and his wood. In 1725, being on a visit to his friends, 
he was suddenly seized with the pleurisy, and died at the house of the 
Rev. Mr. Collins, of Enfield. He was the father of 13 children, 8 
sons and 5 daughters. 



446 



WINDHAM. 



The Rev. Thomas Clap, afterwards president of Yale College, was 
the second minister in Windham. He was ordained in 1726, and 
preached in the place till 1740. Mr. Clap received £300 settlement, 
£100 annual salary, and £10 yearly for his wood. The Rev. Stephen 
White was their next pastor, and was ordained in 1740. He continued 
in the ministry 53 years, till his death, January 9th, 1693. Mr. White, 
in his half century sermon, preached January 1st, 1790, says, — "When 
I came to this town, there were some of the first settlers living. They 
are now dead, and almost all the next generation. In those days there 
were scarce any that were not professors of religion, and but few in- 
fants not baptized. _/Vo families that were prayerless. Profane swear- 
ing was little known ; and open violations of the Sabbath not practiced 
as is common now, and there were no Deists among us. The people, 
as a body, were fearers of the Lord, and observers of the Sabbath and 
its duties. But the present day is peculiar for men's throwing off the 
fear of the Lord. Declensions in religion have been increasing for 
about 30 years past. Such as profaneness, disregard of the Sabbath, 
neglect of family religion, unrighteousness and intemperance, the im- 
bibing of modern errors and heresies, and the crying prevalence of in- 
fidelity against the clearest light. 




Southwest view of Willimantic, Windham. 

The borough of Willimantic is a flourishing village, 26 miles east 
from Hartford, 3 west from Windham, 44 from Providence, 16 from 
Norwich cily, and 16 from Brooklyn. It contains at this time nearly 
2,000 inhabitants. The village is built principally on one street, on the 
northern side of the Willimantic, and extends from west to east nearly 
a mile, and contains three houses of worship, 1 Congregational, 1 Meth- 
odist, and 1 Baptist. 

The engraving shows the appearance of the western part of the vil- 
lage, as it is entered upon the Hartford road. The buildings seen on 
the left are those of the Windham Co. cotton factory. 



WINDHAM. 



447 



There are 6 cotton factories, in all of which upwards of 13,000 spin- 
dles are run. There is also a satinet factory and a paper mill. 

This village has been built in the course of 12 years past. There 
was a kind of " State Armory" erected during the Revolutionary war, 
at the southern extremity of the village, for the purpose of manufac- 
turing fire arms for the state. 




Southwestern view of Frog Pond, Windham. 

Much pleasantry has been indulged at the expense of the inhabitants 
of Windham, on account of a singular occurrence which happened in 
the year 1758, by which the inhabitants were very much frightened. 
The following is from a sheet recently printed in the county, entitled 
" Lawyers and Bull-frogs," and will show the cause of the fright. 
There is probably considerable exaggeration in the introduction, as 
well as in the song, though the foundation of the story is believed to be 
a matter of fact. It is inserted as an amusing relic of the times. 

" On a dark cloudy dismal night in the month of July, A. D. 1758, the inhabitants of 
Windham, a small town in the eastern part of Connecticut, had retired to rest, and 
for several hours, all were wrapped in profound repose — when suddenly, soon after 
midnight, the slumbers of the peaceful inhabitants were disturbed by a most terrifie 
noise in the sky right over their heads, which to many, seemed the yells and screech- 
es of infuriated Indians, and others had no other way of accounting for the awful 
sounds, which still kept increasing, but by supposing the day of judgment had certain- 
ly come, and to their terrified imaginations, the awful uproar in the air seemed the 
immediate precursor of the clangor of the last trumpet. At intervals, many supposed 
they could distinguish the calling out of the particular names, as of Cols. Dyer and 

Elderkin, two eminent lawyers, and this increased the general terror But soon 

there was a rush from every house, the tumult in the air still increasing — old and 
young, male and female, poured forth into the streets, u in pur is naturalibus" entire- 
ly forgetful, in their hurry and consternation, of their nether habiliments, and with 
eyes upturned tried to pierce the almost palpable darkness. My venerable informant, 
who well recollects the event, says that some daring "spirits," concluding there was 
nothing supernatural in the hubbub and uproar over head, but rather, that they heard 
the yells of Indians commencing a midnight attack, loaded their guns and sallied forth 
to meet the invading foes. These valiant heroes, on ascending the hill that bounds 
the village on the east, perceived that the sounds came from that quarter, and not 
from the skies, as first believed, but their courage would not permit them to proceed to 



448 



W I N I) II A M . 



the daring extremity of advancing eastward, until they had discovered the real cause 
of alarm and distress, which pervaded the whole village. Towards morning the 

sounds in the air seemed to die away In the morning, the whole cause of alarm, 

which produced such distressing apprehensions among the good people of the town, 
was apparent to all who took the trouble to go to a certain mill pond, situated about 
three fourths of a mile eastward of the village. This pond, hereafter, in the annals 
of Fame, forever to be called the Frog Pond, in consequence of a severe drought, 
which had prevailed many weeks, had become nearly dry. and the Bull Frogs (with 
which it was densely populated) at the mill fought a pitched battle on the sides of the 
ditch which ran through it, for the possession and enjoyment of the fluid which re- 
mained. Long and obstinately was the contest maintained; and many thousands of 
the combatants were found defunct, on both sides of the ditch, the next morning. It 
had been uncommonly still, for several hours before the battle commenced, but sud- 
denly, as if by a preconcerted agreement, every frog on one side of the ditch, raised 
the war cry, Col. Dyer, Col. Dyer, and at the same instant, from the opposite side, re- 
sounded the adverse shout of Elderkin too, Elderkin too. Owing to some peculiar 
state of the atmosphere, the awful noises and cries appeared to the distressed Wind- 
hamites to be directly over their heads 



Good people all, both great and small, 

Of every occupation, 
I pray draw near, and lend an ear 

To this our true relation. 

'Twas of a fright, happen'd one night, 
Caused by the bull frog nation, 

As strange an one as ever was known, 
Id all our generation. 

The frogs we hear, in bull-frog shire, 

Their chorister had buried, 
The saddest loss, and greatest cross, 

That ever they endured. 

Thus being deprived, they soon contrived 
Their friends to send to. greeting, 

Even to all, both great and small, 
To hold a general meeting. 

Subject and lord, with one accord, 
Now came with bowels yearning, 

For to supply and qualify. 
And fit a frog for learning. 

For to supply, immediately, 

The place of their deceased, 
There did they Gad one to their mind, 

Which soon their sorrows eased. 

This being done, the glorious sun 
Being down and nnilit advancing, 

With great delight, they spent the night, 
In music and in dancing. 

And when they suns, the air it rung, 
And when they bloke in laughter, 

It did surprise both learned and wise, 
As you shall find hereafter. 

A negro man, we understand, 
Awoke and heard the shouting, 

lie ne'er went abroad, but awak'd his lord, 
Which fill'd their hearts with doubting. 

With one accord, they went abroad, 

And stood awhile to wonder : 
The bull-frog shout appeared no doubt, 

To them like claps of thunder. 

Which made them say, the judgment day, 

Without a doubt was coming, 
For in the air, they did declare, 

Was very awful drumming. 

Those lawyer's fees would give no ease, 
Tho' well they're worth inditing; 

To pray they kneel— alas, they feel 
The worm of conscience biting. 

Being thus dismayed, one of them said, 

He would make restitution, 
lb' would restore one half or more, 

This was his resolution. 



Another's h^art was touch'd in part, 

But not prick'd to the center ; 
Ratiier than pay one half away, 

His soul he said he'd venture. 

Then they agreed to go with speed, 

And see what was the matter, 
And as they say, they by the way 

Repenting tears did scatter. 

They traveled still, unto the hill, 

With those men they did rally, 
And soon they found the doleful sound 

To come out of the valley. 

Then down they went, with one consent, 

And found those frogs a singing, 
Raising their voice, fur to rejoice, 

This was the doleful ringing. 

Home those great men, returned then. 

Filled with Wi ath and malice, 
And must. nd all, both great and small, 

rrom prison and from palace. 

And armed with fury, both Judge and Jury, 

To the t-'rog Pond moved, 
And as they say, a fatal day, 

To the frogs it proved. 

This terrible night, the Parson did fright 

His people almost in despair, 
For poor Windham souls, among the bean poles 

He made a most wonderful prayer. 

Lawyer Lucifer called up his crew, 
Dyer and Elderkin, you must come too; 

Old Col. Dyer, you know well enough, 
He had an old negro, his name whs Cud". 

Now mossa, says Cuff, I'm now glad enough, 

For what little comfort I have ; 
I make it no doubt, my time is just out, 

No longer shall I be a slave. 

As for Larabie, so quietly was he, 
He durst not stir out of his house, 

The poor guilt; soul crept into his hole, 
And there lay as still as a mouse. 

As for Jemmy Flint, he began to repent, 

For a Bible he ne'er had known. 
His life was so bad, he'd give half he had, 

To old fattier Stoughton for one. 

Those armed men, they killed then, 

Ami scalp'd about two hundred, 
Taking I say their lives away, 

And then their camp they plundered. 

Those lusty frogs, they fought like dogs, 

For which I do commend'them, 
But lost the day, for want, I say, 

Of weapons to defend them. 



WOODSTOCK 



449 



I bad this story set before me, 

Just as I have writ it, 
It being so new, so strange and true, 

i could not well omit it. 

Lawyers, I say, now from this day, 
lie honest in your dealing, 

And never more increase your store, 
While you the poor are killing. 



For if you do ill, I'll have you know, 
Conscience again will smite you, 

The bull frog shout will ne'er give out, 
But rise again and light you. 

Now Lawyers. Parson, Hull Frogs all, 

I bid you all farewell, 
And nolo you 1 loudly call, 

A better tale to tell. 



WOODSTOCK. 

In 1686, many of the inhabitants of Roxbury, in Massachusetts, re- 
ceived from the government of that colony, a grant of a tract of land 
in the southern part of the colony, for a settlement, which was named 
Woodstock.* This town was bounded by Woodward and Saffery's 
line, and was afterwards found to be within the limits of Connecticut. 
It was first called New Roxbury. 

In 1713, the line between Connecticut and Massachusetts was sur- 
veyed, and upon certain conditions, it was agreed by Connecticut, that 
the towns settled by Massachusetts should remain under its jurisdiction. 
This compromise produced general uneasiness and dissatisfaction with 
the inhabitants at the time, which instead of subsiding, as was expected, 
continued to increase, so that in May, 1747, they presented a memorial 
to the General Assembly of Connecticut, praying to be annexed to, or 
taken under the jurisdiction thereof, whereby they might be restored 
to the chartered privileges granted to them, in common with the other 
citizens of this state. The General Assembly, after having appointed 
commissioners to attempt to settle this dispute, with others that might 
be appointed by Massachusetts, without effect, adopted a resolution, 
that as the agreement of 1713 had never received the royal confirma- 
tion, it was not binding ; and that all the inhabitants who lived south of 
Massachusetts, as defined by the charter, were entitled to the privi- 
leges and ought to be subject to the jurisdiction of the government of 
this state. 

In 1752, an act was passed, securing to the several religious societies 
of the aforesaid towns, all the rights and privileges of religious societies 
according to the laws of this colony. These proceedings on the part 
of Connecticut, produced a remonstrance to his majesty. This was op- 
posed by the agent of Connecticut, then in England, and the claims of 
the latter supported, which were finally recognized, and the boundary 
established accordingly in 1755. 

Woodstock is bounded n. by the Massachusetts line, e. by Thomp- 
son, w. by Union and Ashford, and s. by Pomfret and Ashford. It is 
8 miles long, and upwards of 7 in breadth. The surface of the town 
is characteristically hilly, but not mountainous or broken, and comprises 
very little waste land, most or all of the eminences being capable of cul- 

* Holmes' Annals, Vol. 1. Dr. Holmes states: "In Judge SewalPs MS. Diary I 
find this entry. — ' 1690, March 18, I gave New Roxbury the name of Woodstock, be- 
cause of its nearness to Oxford, for the sake of GLueen Elizabeth, and the notable meet- 
ings that have been held at the place bearing the name in England.' " 

57 



450 



WOODSTOCK, 



tivation. The prevailing soil is a deep gravelly loam, which is strong 
and fertile. It is best adapted to grazing, but generally admits of til- 
lage; and considerable quantities of grain are annually raised, consisting 
principally of rye and corn, and it may be considered one of the richest 
agricultural towns in this part of the state. There are 4 woolen and 4 
cotton factories in the limits of the town. There are also about 900 
persons engaged in the shoe making business, principally in the western 
part of the town. The town is divided into three parts, viz. the old 
society of Woodstock, West Woodstock or New Roxbury, and Muddy 
Brook society or North Woodstock. There are six houses of worship 
in the town, 4 Congregational, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist. 




South view of the Congregational Church, If oodstock. 

The above is a south view of the Congregational church in the old 
society of Woodstock ; the Academy is seen in the distance, in the cen- 
tral part of the engraving. This spot is elevated ground, rising consid- 
erably above the valley of the Quinnebaug. The villages of Thomp- 
son, North Killingly, and Dudley in Massachusetts, on corresponding 
elevations, are in fair view ; this place is 41 miles from Hartford, 32 
from Norwich, 32 from Providence, 12 from Brooklyn, and 6 from 
Thompson. The village of Muddy Brook, or North Woodstock, is 
about three miles distant, situated in a beautiful valley, through which 
Muddy Brook, a fine mill stream, passes. The village is in two parts, 
in each of which is a Congregational church, upwards of one mile dis- 
tant from each other. The houses in this village are more clustered 
than in any other part of the town, and viewed from the surrounding 
hills present an uncommonly beautiful appearance. The west part is 
called " Village corner." 

" Gen. William Eaton was a native of this town, and was born Feb- 
ruary 23d, 1764. At a very early period he disclosed strong indica- 
tions of intellectual vigor, and of mental eccentricity. At the age of 



WOODSTOCK. 451 

about 16 years, without the knowledge or consent of his parents, he 
went from home, and enlisted into the army. This was in 17S0, near 
the close of the Revolutionary war ; and young Eaton continued in the 
army until the close of the war, a considerable part of the time in the 
humble station of a private soldier; but he attained the rank of a ser- 
geant. After the peace, in 1784, be commenced the study of the Latin 
language, and the year after, was admitted a member of Dartmouth 
College, where be graduated in 1790, the period of his collegiate life 
having been protracted, from the circumstance of his having devoted a 
portion of his time to school keeping, which his want of pecuniary re- 
sources rendered necessary. 

" In October, 1791. he was chosen clerk of the House of Delegates of Vermont, re- 
siding at that time in the town of Windsor, where he had been engaged in school 
keeping. In March, 1792, he was appointed a captain in the army of the United 
States; and whilst in this situation, he performed various services upon the western 
and southern frontiers. He continued in the army until 1797, when he was appointed 
consul to Tunis. He continued in this difficult (and it may be added, perilous) situa- 
tion until 1803, during which period, he discharged the consular functions with great 
firmness and ability. In 1804, Gen. Eaton leturned to America and visited Washing- 
ton, where he disclosed the famous enterprise which he had planned to restore the ex- 
bashaw of Tripoli, and having obtained the sanction of government, he embarked in 
July of the same year, in the Argus sloop of war, with the intention of engaging in 
this bold and hazardous undertaking, and arrived at Alexandria in Egypt, on the '25th 
of November following. From Alexandria he proceeded to Cairo, where he found 
the ex-bashaw, who approved of the enterprise, and after having made suitable ar- 
rangements, and recruited about 500 men, (100 of which only were Christians.) it was 
determined by Eaton and the ex-bashaw to cross the desert and seize the province and 
city of Derne. After a difficult and fatiguing journey, through a dreary desert, pre- 
senting innumerable obstacles, they arrived within the province of Derne, and soon 
attacked and captured the city, having the assistance of the Hornet sloop of war. 
The boldness and desperate bravery of Gen. Eaton and his little party, alarmed the 
reigning bashaw and his barbarian subjects, who almost thought they were something 
more than human beings; but the progress of Gen. Eaton was arrested by a peace 
which the American consul concluded with the bashaw. After this, Gen. Eaton re- 
turned to his native country, and was every where received with the most distinguish- 
ed applause, the grateful tribute of patriotic and heroic achievements. After some 
lime he fixed his residence in Brimfield, Massachusetts, where he continued until his 
death in 1811. Whilst here he was elected a representative of the town, in the legis- 
lature of the state. 

"Gen. Eaton was a very extraordinary character; he possessed much original 
genius, was bold in his conceptions, ardent in his passions, determined in his resolu- 
tions, and indefatigably persevering in his conduct. He possessed considerable liter- 
ary acquirements, and the style of his writings was characteristic of his mind; bold, 
energetic and decisive. His courage was equalled only by his resolution, and the 
boldness of his enterprises, by his ability and perseverance to execute them."* 



The following inscription is from a monument in the yard on the 
north side of the church represented in the engraving. 

Memento Mori. 
Here lies the body of the Reverend Mr. Amos Throope, late pastor of the church 
in Woodstock, who died Septemr. the 7th, Anno 1735, in the 34th year of his age and 
the 9th of his pastorate. 

O cruel Death to snatch from us below, 

One fit to live within the spheres on high, 
But since the great Creator orders so, 
Hear at his feet he doth submissive lie. 

* Pease and Niles's Gazetteer. 



452 



LITCHF1RLP 



LITCHFIELD COUNTY. 

Litchfield County was incorporated as such in 1751, and a con- 
siderable part of it was more recently settled than any other part of 
the state. It is bounded n. by Berkshire county in Massachusetts, e. 
by Hartford and New Haven counties, s. by the counties of New 
Haven and Fairfield, and w. by the state of New York. It has an 
average length from north to south of about 33 miles, and a breadth of 
about 27 miles, comprising about 885 square miles, being the largest 
county in the state. The principal part of the county is elevated and 
mountainous. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, generally deep, 
and in many sections strong and fertile, and admirably adapted to gra- 
zing. The agricultural interests of the county are very respectable. 
The staple productions consist of cheese, butter, pork and beef. Con- 
siderable attention is also paid to the raising of neat cattle and. sheep. 
The manufacture of iron is carried on more extensively in this county 
than in any other section of the state. 

The following is a list of the towns in the county, with their popu- 
lation in 1830. 

Kent, 

New Hartford, 

NewMilford, 
Norfolk, - 
Plymouth, 
Roxbury, 
Salisbury, 

Population of the county in 1820, 41,267; in 1830, 42,855. 



Litchfield, - 


- 4,456 


Barkhamsted, 


- 1,715 


Bethlem, 


- 906 


Canaan, 


- 2,301 


Colebrook - 


- 1,332 


Cornwall, - 


- 1,714 


Goshen, 


- 1,734 


Harvvinton, 


- 1,516 



- 2,001 


Sharon, - 


- 2,615 


1, 1,766 


Torrington, 


- 1,651 


- 3,979 


Warren, - 


- 986 


- 1,485 


Washington, 


- 1,621 


- 2,064 


Watertown, 


- 1,500 


- 1,122 


Winchester 


- 1,766 


- 2,5S0 


Woodbury, 


- 2,045 



LITCHFIELD. 

The tract of land now comprised in the township of Litchfield, was 
called by the native Indians Bantam. In 1718, it was purchased of 
the colony of Connecticut by a company, who divided their purchase, 
(which was intended to cover ten miles square,) into sixty shares, under 
the name of " proprietors' rights," which were valued at £5 per right. 
The proprietors who made the purchase and first settlement, were prin- 
cipally from Hartford, Windsor and Lebanon. In 1720 and 1721, sev- 
eral families began to settle on the tract. " Nothing appears on record 
to show that the proprietors purchased any of the lands in this town of 
the Indians : the title having been previously extinguished by the colo- 
ny. The lands in this town afforded better hunting ground for the In- 
dians, than extensive intervals. Many of the hills were nearly cleared 



LITCHFIELD. 453 

of trees by fires, kindled for the purpose of hunting. To this remark, 
however, many valuable tracts, containing excellent pine and other 
forest trees, were an important exception." 

In 1724, Bantam was incorporated as a town by the name of Litch- 
field. " By the act of incorporation, the grant was made to John Marsh 
of Hartford, to John Buel of Lebanon, and their associates ; amounting 
to fifty seven. The first founders built log houses. The settlement 
proceeded as fast as could be reasonably expected, considering the cir- 
cumstances of the times. During the wars between England and France, 
the Canadians and Indians often harassed our borders ; and Litchfield, 
being a frontier town, was exposed to their ravages. Between the 
year 1720 and 1730, five houses were surrounded with palisadoes. 
One of these stood on the ground near the present court house ; ano- 
ther about half a mile south ; one east, and one west of the center ; 
and one in South Farms. Soldiers were then stationed here to guard 
the inhabitants, both while they were at work in the field, and while 
they were attending public worship on the Sabbath. 

" In May, 1722, Capt. Jacob Griswould, being at work alone in the 
field, about one mile west of the present court house, two Indians sud- 
denly rushed upon him from the woods, took him and pinioned his arms, 
and carried him off. They traveled in a northerly direction, and the 
same day arrived in some part of the township called Canaan, then a 
wilderness. The Indians kindled a fire, and after binding their prisoner 
hand and foot, lay down to sleep. Griswould fortunately disengaging 
his hands and feet, while his arms were yet pinioned, seized their guns, 
and made his escape into the woods. After traveling a small distance, 
he sat down and waited till the dawn of day ; and, although his arms 
were still pinioned, he carried both the guns. The savages awoke in 
the morning, and finding their prisoner gone, they immediately pursued 
him ; they soon overtook him, and kept in sight of him the greater part 
of the day, while he was making his way homeward. When they 
came near, he turned and pointed one of his pieces at them ; they then 
fell back. In this manner he traveled till near sunset, when he reached 
an eminence in an open field, about one mile northwest of the present 
court house. He then discharged one of his guns, which immediately 
summoned the people to his assistance. The Indians fled, and Gris- 
would safely returned to his family." 

" The capture of Griswould made the inhabitants more cautious for 
a while, but their fears soon subsided. In the month of August fol- 
lowing, Mr. Joseph Harris, a respectable inhabitant, was at work in the 
woods alone, not far from the place were Griswould was taken ; and 
being attacked by a party of Indians, attempted to make his escape. 
The Indians pursued him, and finding they could not overtake him, 
they shot him dead and scalped him. As Harris did not return, the 
inhabitants were alarmed, and some search was made for him ; but the 
darkness of the night checked their exertions. The next morning they 
found his body, and gave it a decent burial. Harris was killed near 
the north end of the plain, where the road turns towards Milton, a lit- 



454 



LITCHFIELD 



tie east of the school house now standing ; and lor a long time after, 
this plain was called Harris' plain."* 

The first white male person born in this town, was Gershom Gibbs, 
in the month of July, 1721. The first minister in the place was the 
Rev. Timothy Collins, a native of Guilford, who graduated at Yale 
College in 1718. Mr. Collins accepted the call of the inhabitants to 
be their minister, in December, 1721, and was ordained in June, 1723 ; 
the following salary was voted, viz. £57 for the first four years ; for 
the fifth year £60 ; for the next year, £70; and for the seventh year, 
and so long as he should continue with them in the work of the minis- 
try, £80. His fire wood was voted him in addition to his salary. Mr. 
Collins continued in the ministry till 1752, when he was dismissed at 
his own request. In the following year fie was appointed a justice of 
the peace. He also practiced physic. He died in Litchfield, in 1776. 

In April, 1723, the inhabitants voted to build their first church, which 
was finished within three years. Its dimensions were 45 feet in length, 
and 35 in breadth ; it was built in a plain manner, without a steeple. 
It stood within a few feet of the present Congregational church. At 
the raising of this building all the adult males in the town were present, 
and sat on the sills at once. The second house of worship was finished 
in 1762 ; this also has been taken down, and a new building has been 
recently erected. The first Episcopal society was formed in this town 
about the year 1746, but they had only occasional preaching till the 
year 1754. At this time Mr. Solomon Palmer, who had just been dis- 
missed from the church in Cornwall, took the charge of the Episcopal 
congregation in this town, and that of New Milford at the same time, 
and preached to them alternately. Mr. Palmer continued here until 
1763, when he removed to the Episcopal congregation in New Haven. 
In 1766, he resumed his charge in Litchfield, and continued it till his 
death, in 1770.f 

Litchfield, the seat of justice for the county, is situated in north lati- 
tude 41° 50', being 30 miles west from Hartford, 36 northwest from 
New Haven, and 100 from New York ; bounded north by Goshen 
and Torrington, west by Washington and Warren, east by Nauga- 
tuc river, separating it from Harwinton, and south by Watertown, 
Bethlem and Plymouth. It is about 9 miles in length from east to 
west, and its breadth is nearly 8 miles. It is.an elevated township, and 
its surface presents a diversity of hills and valleys. The hills are gen- 
erally of considerable elevation, and their prevailing course is from 
north to south. In the western part of the town there are some moun- 
tainous tracts, which comprise several considerable eminences, of which 
Mount-Tom is the most elevated. Great Pond, situated to the south- 

* Thefollowing inscription is on bis monument in the west burying ground. — " In 
memory of Joseph Hai ris, who was murdered by the Indians in the year 1721. While 
ploughing in his field, about three fourths of a mile northwest of the grave yard, 

he was snot by the [ndiansc :ealed in 'ambush. He was found dead, sitting on the 

ground, his bend and body reclining against the trunk- of a tree. To record the first 
death among the original settlers, ana to pei petuate the memory of a worthy but un- 
fortunate citizen, this monument is erected, 1S30, by the voluntary benefaction of in- 
dividual subscribers." 

+ Morns' Statistical Account of Litchfield. 



LITCHFIELD. 455 

west of Litchfield village, is a beautiful sheet of water, comprising an 
area of about 900 acres, and is the largest pond or lake in the state. 
Litchfield abounds in good springs of water, and from its elevated situ- 
ation, the air is generally pure and salubrious, and the town has the 
reputation of being remarkably healthy. The soil is generally strong 
and fertile, and, for an elevated tract, is warm and favorable for vegeta- 
tion.* Litchfield is divided into four societies, Litchfield proper, South 
Farms, Northfield, and Milton. Litchfield village was incorporated 
in 1818. It is delightfully situated, upon an elevated plain in the cen- 
ter of the first society, affording the most extensive prospects, surround- 
ed by interesting scenery, and from its situation enjoying a salubrious 
atmosphere. The corporate limits of the village are about one mile 
and a half in length, and about one mile in breadth. The principal 
street, running from n. w. to s. e. is well built, comprising numerous 
handsome dwelling houses, some of which are elegant edifices. This 
street is intersected by another, forming a pleasant square in the center. 
There are in the village upwards of 80 dwelling houses, 2 printing 
offices, a bank, being a branch of the Phoenix Bank, Hartford ; court 
house, jail, professional offices, mercantile and mechanic shops. In 
1784, a law school was established here by the Hon. Tapping Reeve. 
In 1798, the Hon. James Gould was associated as a, joint instructor 
with Judge Reeve. This school was considered as the most respecta- 
ble and systematic law school in the United States. It was discontin- 
ued a k\v years since. There is a high school for young ladies, which 
is of considerable celebrity. There is an infirmary in this town, under 
the direction of Dr. Alanson Abbe, established for the purpose of 
curing and relieving diseases of the spine. 

South Farms was incorporated into an ecclesiastical society, in 1767. 
In the year 1753, when Mr. Champion was settled in Litchfield, there 
were but 30 families in the parish ; when it was incorporated, it con- 
tained seventy. In 1764, the inhabitants agreed to build their first 
church. It was only one story high, 34 feet by 32: the second house 
of worship was erected in 1785. An academy was begun in South 
Farms, in 1790, by James Morris, Esq. in which the higher branches 
of education were taught. This school is still kept up, and is a re- 
spectable institution. 

Northfield parish was incorporated in 1794. It is situated in the 
southeast corner of Litchfield, and includes within its limits part of the 
township of Plymouth. The surface of this parish is uneven, and 
many parts are stony, rough, and hard for tillage. The soil is generally 
good, and produces good grass and grain. There are two houses for 
worship in this place, 1 Congregational and 1 Episcopal. The first 
Congregational minister, the Rev. Joseph E. Camp, was settled here 
in 1795. 

* There is an apple tree now standing on the farm of Mr. Solomon Marsh, in Litch- 
field, supposed to be about 11G years old, and is now in a vigorous state. Its trunk, 
two feet from the ground, measures eleven feet five inches in circumference. The cir- 
cumference of its branches is nearly eleven rods in extent. It bore in 1835, one hun- 
dred bushels of apples of a fine quality. 



456 LITCHFIELD. 

Milton is situated in the northwest corner of Litchfield. It was in- 
corporated in 1795, and the first minister was Mr. Benjamin Judd, who 
was installed in 1802. The parish embraces within its limits a part of 
Goshen, Cornwall, and Warren. The surface of the parish is uneven 
and stony, with many large primitive rocks, and though good grazing 
land, is hard for tillage. 

There is a mineral spring in the west part of Litchfield, near a place 
called Bradleysville, " which is saturated with iron and sulphur. The 
water issues from the east side of the mountain in considerable quanti- 
ties. The mud from the bottom of the spring burns with a blue flame, 
and the principal part of it consumes." An Indian relic was found in 
this town, about a half a mile east of the court house, near Bantam 
river. It is a rude sculpture of brown stone, nearly the size of life, rep- 
resenting a female with head and shoulders, extending down to the 
waist : it is now deposited at Yale College, New Haven. 

Ethan Allen, a brigadier general in the American service, distin- 
guished for his daring and intrepid spirit, was a native of this town. 
There has been a considerable diversity of statements respecting the 
place of his birth. Cornwall, Salisbury and Roxbury, have been named 
as places where he was born. By an examination of the Litchfield 
town records the present year, (1836,) it is recorded that he was the 
son of Joseph and Mary Allen, and was born Jan. 10th, 1737. The 
fact of the differing statements, mentioned above, seems to have origi- 
nated from the circumstance of his residing for a while in those towns. 
The following sketch of his life is from Allen's Biographical Dictionary. 

" While he was young, his parents emigrated to Vermont. At the commencement 
of the disturbances in this territory, about the year 1770, he took a most active part in 
favor of the Green Mountain boys, as the settlers were then called, in opposition to the 
government of New York. An act of outlawry against him was passed by this state, 
and 500 guineas were offered for his apprehension: but his party was too numerous 
and faithful to permit him to be disturbed by any apprehensions for his safely: in all 
the struggles of the day he was successful ; and he not only proved a valuable friend 
to those whose cause he had espoused, but he was humane and generous towards those 
with whom he had to contend. When called to take the field, he showed himself an 
able leader and an intrepid soldier. 

" The news of the battle of Lexington determined Col. Allen to engage on the side 
of his country, and inspired him with the desire of demonstrating his attachment to 
liberty by some bold exploit. While his mind was in this state, a plan for taking Ti- 
conderoga and Crown Point by surprise, which was formed by several gentlemen in 
Connecticut, was communicated to him, and he readily engaged in the project. Re- 
ceiving directions from the General Assembly of Connecticut to raise the Gi een Moun- 
tain boys, and conduct the enterprise, he collected 230 of the hardy settlers and pro- 
ceeded to Castleton. Here he was unexpectedly joined by Col. Arnold, who had been 
commissioned by the Massachusetts committee to raise 400 men, and effect the same 
object, which was now about to be accomplished. As he had not raised the men, lie 
was admitted to act as an assistant to Col. Allen. They reached the lake opposite Ti- 
condcroga on the evening of the 9th of May, 1775. With the utmost difficulty boats 
were procured, and 83 men were landed near the garrison. The approach of day ren- 
dering it dangerous to wait for the rear, it was determined immediately to proceed. 
The commander in chief now addressed his men, representing that they had been fo? 
a number of years a scourge to arbitrary power, and famed for their valor, and con- 
cluded with saying, ' 1 now propose to advance before you, and in person conduct you 
through the wicket gate; and you, that will go with me voluntarily in this desperate 
attempt, poise your firelocks.' At the head of the center file he marched instantly to 
the gate, where a sentry snapped his gun at him, and retreated through the covered 
way: he pressed forward into the fort, and formed his men on the parade in such a 
manner as to face two opposite barracks. Three huzzas awaked the garrison. A 



LITCHFIELD. 457 

sentry, who asked quarter, pointed out the apartments of the commanding officer; and 
Allen with a drawn sword over the head of Capt. De la Place, who was undressed, de- 
manded the surrender of the fort. ' By what authority do you demand it?' inquired 
the astonished commander. ' I demand it (said Allen) in the name of the great Jeho- 
vah and of the continental Congress.' The summons could not be disobeyed, and the 
fort, with its very valuable stores and 49 prisonets, was immediately surrendered. 
Crown Point was taken the same day, and the capture of a sloop of war, soon after- 
wards, made Allen and his brave party complete masters of Lake Champlain. 

" In the fall of 1775 he was sent twice into Canada to observe the dispositions of the 
people, and attach them, if possible, to the American cause. During this last tour Col. 
Brown met him, and proposed an attack upon Montreal in concert. The proposal was 
eagerly embraced, and Col. Allen, with 110 men, near 80 of whom were Canadians, 
crossed the river in the night of Sept. 24. In the morning he wailed with impatience 
for the signal from Col. Brown, who agreed to cooperate with him, but he waited in 
vain. He made a resolute defense against an attack of 500 men, and it was not till his 
own party was reduced by desertions to the number of 31, and. he had retreated near a 
mile, that he surrendered. A moment afterwards a furious savage rushed towards 
him, and presented his firelock, with the intent of killing him. It was only by making 
use of the body of the officer, to whom he had given his sword, as a shield, tiial he es- 
caped destruction. 

" lie was now kept for some time in irons, and treated with great cruelty. He was 
sent to England as a prisoner, being assured that the halter would be the reward of his 
rebellion, when he arrived there. After his arrival, about the middle of December, he 
was lodged for a short time in Pendennis Castle, near Falmouth. On the 8th of Janu- 
ary, 1776, he was put on board a frigate, and by a circuitous route carried to Halifax. 
Here he remained confined in the gaol from June to October, when he was removed 
to New York. During the passage to this place, Capt. Burke, a daring prisoner, pro- 
posed to kill the Biitish captain and seize the frigate; but Col. Allen refused to engage 
in the plot, and was probably the means of preserving the life of Capt. Smith, who had 

■ ited him very politely. He was kept at New York about a year and a half, some- 
times imprisoned, and sometimes permitted to be on parole. * * * * 

" Col. Allen was exchanged for Col. Campbell, May 6, 1778, and after having repair- 
ed to head quarters, and offered his services to Gen. Washington, in case his health 
should be restored, he returned to Vermont. His arrival, on the evening of the last of 
May, gave his friends great joy, and it was announced by the discharge of cannon. As 
an expression of confidence in his patriotism and military talents, he was soon appoint- 
ed to the command of the stale militia. It does not appear, however, thai his intrepid- 
ity was ever again brought to the test, though his patriotism was tried by an unsuccess- 
ful attempt of the British to bribe him to attempt a union of Vermont with Canada. 
I le died suddenly at his estate in Colchester, Feb. 13, 1789. 

,: Cen. Allen possessed strong powers of mind, but they never felt the influence of 
education. Though he was brave, humane and generous, yet his conduct does not 
-eein to have been much influenced bv considerations respecting that holy and merci- 
ful Being, whose character and whose commands are disclosed to us in the scriptures. 
His notions with regard to religion were such, as to prove, that those, who rather con- 
lule in their own wisdom than seek instruction from heaven, may embrace absurdities, 
which would disgrace the understanding of a child. He believed, with Pythai ras, 
that man after death would transmigrate into beasts, birds, fishes, reptiles, &c, and of- 
ten informed his friends, that he himself expected to live again in the form ol a large 
white horse. Besides a number of pamphlets in the controversy with New York, he 
published in 1779 a narrative of his observations during his captivity, w Inch has been 
lately reprinted; a vindication of the opposition of the inhabitants of Vermont to the 
government of New York, and their right to form an independent stale, 1779; and Al- 
len's theology, or the oracles of reason, 1786. This last work was intended toridicule 
the doctrine oi Moses and the prophets. It would be unjust to bring against it the charge 
of having effected great mischief in the world, for lew have had the patience to read it." 

Oliver Wolcott, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was for 
many years a resident of this town : he was a native of East Windsor, 
born Dec. 1st, 1726, and was the son of the Hon. Roger Wolcott, gov- 
ernor of the colony of Connecticut. He was graduated at Yale Col- 
lege in 1747. 

" He commanded a company of soldiers in 1748, in the war against the French, in 
Canada. After one campaign, he retired from military service, studied tie' i"" • n 
i : physic, and commenced the practice m Goshen. In the year 1751, he w i 

58 



458 LITCHFIELD. 

ed high sheriff" of Litchfield county, removed to this town, and continued in the office 
of sheriff till the year 177-2. He represented this town in the General Assembly, in the 
year 1770. In the year 1772, he was chosen a member of the council. In 1772 he was 
appointed judge of probate for the district of Litchfield. In the year 1774 he was ap- 
pointed judge of the court of common pleas. In the year 1775. he was chosen a repre- 
sentative in Congress, and was present at the declaration of independence. He con 
tinued a member of the council till the year 1786, and was then chosen lieut. governor 
of this stale;. In this office he continued till the year 179G, and was then chosen gover- 
nor; and in this office he died, Dec. 1st, 1797. The duties of all these stations he dis- 
charged with unshaken integrity and firmness ; courted favors from no man ; and nei- 
ther sought nor obtained any end by intrigue, or from interested motives. He was sin- 
gularly modest, and even diifident, in his intercourse with men, in the common walks 
of life. Those who best knew this gentleman, well knew that the highest trust was 
never improperly placed in him. Two questions only were asked by him, while dj 
charging the duties of the several offices of high responsibility, which he held, viz. 
What is right] and, What is my duly? He possessed a benevolent heart, and was 
warm in his friendships; a firm friend to order; a promoter of peace ; a lover of reli- 
gion ; and a tried, unshaken friend to the institutions of the gospel. He was an inde- 
fatigable student ; and neither wasted his time nor his words. His mind was clear 
and penetrating ; his views of political subjects, just and comprehensive ; his discern- 
ment of the wisest means to promote the best ends, ready and exact ; and his acquaint- 
ance with science, particularly with theology, extensive. He had a remarkable talent 
at investigation; and 'nothing satisfied him but proof.' He has left a name, which is 
a sweet savor to his surviving friends ; and a lively hope, that he is enjoying the re- 
wards of the faithful in immortal bliss." — Morris' Hist, of Litchfield. 

Oliver Wolcott, son of the preceding, was born in 1760. When a 
lad of 17, he lent his aid to the cause of his country : he was present in 
the engagement with the British at the time of their invasion of Dan- 
bury. On the formation of the U. S. government in 1789, he was ap- 
pointed first auditor of the treasury ; and in 1794 he succeeded Gen. 
Hamilton as secretary of the treasury. In 1817 he was elected gover- 
nor of Connecticut, which office he held till 1827. He was the last 
survivor of the administration of Washington. He died in New York, 
June 2d, 1833. 

Benjamin Tattmadge, a major, and afterwards a colonel in the Revo- 
lutionary army, was a resident of this town. He was born at Brookha- 
ven, (L. I.) Feb. 25th, 1754. His father was the clergyman of that 
place. He was graduated at Yale College in 1773. In 1776 he en- 
tered the Revolutionary army, and soon received a major's commission 
from Washington, who honored him with his confidence, and entrusted 
him with several hazardous and important services. He was present in 
most of the general battles which took place with the main army in the 
northern states, at Long Island, White Plains, Brandywine, German- 
town, Monmouth, &c., besides many smaller engagements, with the 
command of his own detachment. He removed to Litchfield in 1784. 
In 1800 he was chosen a representative to Congress. He was an ardent 
patriot and sincere Christian. He died at Litchfield, March 7th, 1835. 



EXTRACTS FHOM NEWSPAPERS. 

Litchfield, Oct. C, 1761. 
Notice is hereby given, that there is now in Litchfield gaol, a mulatto fellow, who 
calls himself Caesai Sambo, about 5 feet 10 inches high, speaks good English, well 
made a ml sprightly, ami i^ about 25 years old: he says he is free, and that he formerly 
belong I to I lapt. Benjamin Green of Greenwich, (Rhode Island.) He was lately ta- 
ken up in Norfolk, for traveling without a pass, ami by order of authority committed. 
It is suspected the fellow has been in company with a gang of negroi s who have lately 
mil sted this part of the country. His master, if he has any, may have him upon pay- 



I- ITCH FIELD, 459 

ing charges, and if no owner appear, lie will soon be disposed of in service, lu answer 
the cost according 1 to law. John Newbree, Gaoler. 



Litchfield, May I2tk, 1784. 

Every species of deception and villainy seems at present to be practiced : some by 
dress a.nd titles impose upon the unwary; others, under the plain mask of itinerants, 
accomplish their detestable schemes. One of the last description, on the night of the 
7th of May, came into Capt. Vaille's tavern of this place, called for entertainment, and 
soon went to his lodging: but after the family were retired to rest, he thought it time, 
after rilling the house of a calico gown, a camlet shirt, and three pair of shirts, with six 
dollars from a fellow traveler, to take up his bed with all its furniture, and depart, and 
has since eluded the diligent search of those who have endeavored to detect him. It is 
to be hoped for the honor of human nature, that people will be vigilant in exposing this 
crime, as well as detecting future villainies ; and that tavern keepers, in this western 
part of the state especially, would not put too implicit confidence in stranger!*, for ' : they 
know not at what hour of the night their effects and beds may, by the thief be taken 

away." 

Connecticut Journal, No. 942. Litchfield, Nov. 15, 1785. 

Last Wednesday Thomas Goss, late of Barkhamsted, was executed at this place, 
pursuant to the sentence of the Superior Court, for the murder of his wife. His de- 
fense, upon trial, was insanity; and for the space of several days after his trial and 
condemnation, he appeared regular, and requested his attorney to make application to 
the General Assembly of the State, for a reprieve; likewise desired the clergyman of 
this town to preach a sermon at his execution, (if he were not reprieved.) But very 
soon he resumed his former notions, that wizards and witches haunted him ; which 
ideas it seems he had adopted, some time in October, 1784; and under pretence thai his 
wife was a witch, he at first justified his conduct in depriving her of life. Under such 
infatuation, he ordered his attorney, in most peremptory language, not to apply for a 
reprieve to any human tribunal; alleging, that his heavenly Father had forbidden all 
such proceedings. He called himself the second Lamb of God; said he was brother 
of Jesus Christ; and sometimes said he was the child, born of the woman, mentioned 
in the Revelation of St. John, before whom the dragon stood, ready to devour the child, 
&c. To such extravagant ideas, he added, that the sheriff could not hang him; that 
his heavenly Father would interpose if the attempt was made, and he be liberated ; and 
that thirty thousand males above fifteen years would be instantly killed by the shock, in 
North America. He pertinaciously adhered to such wild opinions to the last moment 
of his life. The night preceding his execution he slept well. In the forenoon of the 
same day, slept calmly a considerable length of time :— at dinner, ate heartily. On his 
way to the gallows, and while there, he appeared calm and unmoved; not the least 
emotion could be discovered in his countenance; nor the least perturbation in his 
speech. On being told that he had but twenty minutes to live, he kneeled down and 
made a short prayer, and consented that a clergyman present should pray with him, 
(although he had refused his attention to either preaching or praying, and would not 
even hear the sermon preached on the day of his execution, pretending that God for- 
bade him.) When on the gallows, he said a few words to the spectators, inculcating 
the general principles of morality ; such as that they had ought to bring up their fami- 
lies well, and obey the precepts of his heavenly Father, or they must be miserable. He 
declared he never murdered any person in his life excepting his wife; and the last 
word he said was, that he believed the sheriff could not hang him. 

Litchfield, Dec. 12th, 1786. 
In the storm on Saturday evening last, the wife of Mr. Elisha Birge unfortunately 
perished. The fury of the tempest seemed to threaten an immediate dismemberment 
of the long erected and decayed mansion of their residence : a naturally timid disposi- 
tion induced Mrs. Birge fatally to determine on leaving it and seek an asylum in a 
neighboring house; from which resolution she could not be persuaded to recede, how- 
ever hazardous the attempt. She had not proceeded far, when Mr. Birge followed, 
and immediately overtook her: having wandered about the dreary waste some time, 
in fruitless search of the friendly cottage, her helpless survivor suggested that they had 
mistook the road, and urged their return; but alas! too late — she was falling asleep : 
the chilling winds and hoary frost had deprived her of speech and sense, and beside the 
bending chest of an aged tree she expired in his arms. Those who knew her worth, 
cannot restrain the sympathetic tear. She was hospitable and good ; indulgent to her 
children; a comfort to the partner of her bed ; a blessing to her neighbors; and an ir- 
reparable loss to the stranger and distressed. Mr. Birge was exposed to the storm 
about five hours before he found a shelter. His hands and ears are much frozen, but 
it is hoped he will recover. 



460 b a. it K h a m «; i r:l> . 



BARKHAMSTED. 

Barkhamsted was granted to Capt. Thomas Moore and Lieut. Jon- 
athan Ellsworth, and other persons of Windsor, in 1732. The first per- 
son who made a permanent settlement in the town, was Pelatiah Allyn 
from Windsor. He removed here ahoul the year 1746, and remained 
the only inhabitant of the town for ]() or 12 years. In the summer he 
employed his time in clearing and cultivating his lands, and in the win- 
ter in hunting. His plantation was toward the south part of the town, 
near the dividing line between this town and New Hartford. As there 
were frequent alarms on account of the Indians, he used, when danger 
was apprehended, to repair to a fortified post in the northern part of 
New Hartford. He took special care to guard himself against a sur- 
prise at his own house. The next man who made a settlement in the 
town, was Israel Jones, from Enfield, about the year 1759. Besides 
these, the first principal settlers were, William Austin, Jonathan King, 
and a Mr. Norton, from Suffield ; Amos Case from Simsbury, John 
Ives from Hamden, Joseph Shepherd from Hartford, and Joseph Wil- 
der from East Haddam. Mr. Wilder was the first magistrate, and for 
several years the only one. The progress of the settlement was slow. 
In 1771 there were but 20 families in the limits of the town, and the 
inhabitants were so few that they were not called upon to do military 
duty until 1774. The town was incorporated in 1779. The Rev. 
Ozias Eels, the first minister of the town, was ordained January, 1787. 
He died in 1813. 

Barkhamsted is bounded north by Hartland, west by Winchester, 
east by Canton and Granby, and south by New Hartford. It is 6£ 
miles in length from east to west, and 5 miles in breadth. The central 
part is situated 23 miles northwest from Hartford. The township is 
rough, stony and mountainous, and is intersected by two high granite 
ridges of mountains, running north and south. Upon the declivities of 
these ridges, and upon their summits, there is much broken land, some 
of which is inaccessible. In some places these ridges exhibit very lofty 
and sublime features. Iron ore has been discovered in small quantities 
in different parts of the town, likewise some strata of limestone. The 
soil is hard and dry, and not generally good for tillage, except along the 
streams. The mountains and hills were formerly covered with excel- 
lent timber, consisting of oak, chestnut, sugar maple, beech, pine and 
hemlock ; a considerable portion of which has been destroyed by wind 
and fire, and by the axe, under a system of improvidence, at a time 
when timber was considered of no value. 

The following is a representation of the principal part of the village of 
Hitchcocksville, in Barkhamsted ; it is situated on the west branch of 
the Farmington river, near the corner of four towns, Hartland, Cole- 
brook, Winchester and Barkhamsted. The village contains upwards of 
20 dwelling houses, 1 chair factory, 2 mercantile stores, and an Episco- 
pal church, which was founded July 4th, 1829, and called the Union 
church. Part of the chair factory is seen on the left, and the church 



B F. T 11 li E 1U, 



161 



V";.^' 




West view of HitcJicocJcsville, Barkhamsted. 

on the right of the engraving. The village was commenced about fif- 
teen years since : it is 20 miles from Litchfield, and 2G from 1 fait Inn I. 
There are superior water privileges for extensive manufactories in the 
immediate vicinity. A little more than a mile south of this place, a 
tew of the last remnunts of the Narragansett Indians have a location ; 
they came here about the year 1779, and purchased about 200 or more 
acres of land. Their houses, or rather cabins, are along side of the 
road: there are about 20 souls that make their constant residence here, 
though at times they number as many as 30 persons. 



BETHLEM. 

Bethlkm was formerly a part of Woodbury. It was incorporated 
as a distinct town in 1787. It is bounded n. by Litchfield, e. by Wa- 
tertowo, w. by Washington, and s. by Woodbury. Its average length 
is Ah, and its breadth 4 miles. The township is considerably hilly, 
and the soil generally a gravelly loam, and is best adapted to grazing ; 
there are, however, considerable quantities of rye raised in the limits of 
the town. The number of inhabitants in 1810 was 1,118; in 1830 
the number was reduced to 906. 

The following is a representation of the central part of Bethlem. The 
church seen on the left is the Episcopal ; the Congregational church is 
seen a little to the right of the center of the engraving. The first 
building seen to the left of the Congregational church, is the residence 
of Joseph H. Bellamy, Esq. grandson of Joseph Bellamy, D.D. the cel- 
ebrated divine. The next house seen westward of the church was for- 
merly the residence of the Rev. Azel Backus, who was the successor 
of Dr. Bellamy, and afterwards the first president of Hamilton College, 



40:2 



b f. t ii r, r. m . 




South view of Bethlem, {central part.) 

in the state of New York. This place is 32 miles from New Haven, 
'33 from Hartford, 7J south from Litchfield, and 6 from Watertown. 



Bethlem, Dec. 20, 17G0. 
We learn from Bethlem, that such a distressing sickness has prevailed there of late, 
rlint in the month of November 34 persons died in that small town, but the distemper 
is somewhat mitigated. They are taken first with a cold, and then a malignant pleu- 
risy sets in, and carries them off. Among others that died was Doct. Hull, his wife 
and two children, and a young man, all out of one house; the doctor and his wife 
were buried in one grave. Soon after their deaths, and while others were sick in the 
house, one Deacon Strong coming by, raised a flock of eleven quails, which flew over 
the before-mentioned house, and dropped in the garden ; immediately after three rose 
and flew into the bushes, but the other eight were picked up dead, and in an hour after 
>tunk and were buried. The air in the parish is said by doctors and others of judg- 
ment, to be apparently different from the air in towns and parishes round about it. 
Some doctors there, have been ready to call this distemper the plague, or something 
much like it. 



A robbery, which at the time caused considerable excitement in this place, took 
place in the east part of the parish of Bethlem, called Gurnsey Town, in the spring o\ 
the year 1778 or 177!), at the house of Ebenezer Gurnsey, a wealthy farmer. Mr. 
Gurnsey had sold his farm some time before, to Isaac Baldwin of Woodbridge, who 
hul moved in with Mr. Gurnsey, and had paid him a large sum of money. Mr. 
( rurnsey had a number of men in his employ in building a house on an adjoining farm. 
All in the house had retired to rest, it being late at night, except Mr. 'Baldwin and 
nil two voting men who were in another room. Two of the robbers came in, 
their faces being blacked, one being armed with a gun, the other with a pistol, and or- 
dered Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin into the room where the young men were, to be bound, 
threatening them with immediate death if they made any resistance. One of the 
young men made his escape — they bound the other, and while attempting to bind Ml 
Baldwin, who was a very active man, he wrenched the pistol from one of the robbers, 
at which the other attempted to shoot him, but he managed to keep behind the other 
robber till another from without came in and knocked Mr. Baldwin down with the 
breech of a gun, and wounded him badly. Mr. Gurnsey, although somewhat deaf, 
was awakened by the uncommon noise, and coming into the room was knocked down 
and had his skull fractured — the rest of the family made their escape or hid them- 
selves. The robbers rifled the house of many valuable things, but in retiring, dropped 
Mr. Gumsey's pockel book, which contained a large amount of continental money. 

« i if the young men who escaped ran three miles to Bethlem meeting house, with- 

iul lopping to give any alarm. 



CANAAN. 



463 



Joseph Bellamy, D. D. a celebrated divine, was born in Cheshire. 
He graduated at Yale College in 1735, being then sixteen years old. 
When he was eighteen years old, he became a preacher. He was or- 
dained in Bethlem in 1740. He died in 1790, in the 72d year of his 
age, and 50th of his ministry. " He possessed a vigorous mind, and 
was well versed in theology. His style was plain and his manner im- 
pressive. He held a high rank among his contemporaries as a preach- 
er. During the great religious revival with which the churches were 
visited in 1742, he devoted much of his time to itinerant labor, and 
was the instrument of much good in many congregations. He was al- 
so distinguished as a theological instructor, both by a happy method of 
teaching, and by the great number of young men who studied for the 
ministry under his care. The most important of his publications is his 
' True Religion Delineated.' His works have been republished in three 
octavo volumes." 



CANAAN. 




Southwest view of the Ilousatonic Falls, Canaan. 

Canaan was sold at auction in New London, in January, 173S. The 
settlement began in June of the same year. The first inhabitants were 
Daniel and Isaac Lawrence, John Franklin, and others who joined the 
settlement about the same time. The town was incorporated in 1739. 
The first clergyman in the town was the Rev. Elisha Webster, who was 
ordained in October, 1740. 

Canaan is 41 miles northwest from Hartford, bounded north by the 
Massachusetts line, east by Norfolk, west by the Housatonic, dividing- 
it from Salisbury, and south by Cornwall. It is about 9 miles in length 
from north to south, and its average breadth about six. 

The falls represented in the above engraving, arc formed by a 
ledge of limestone rocks, crossing the Housatonic river obliquely from 



!''l COLEBROOK. 

northwest to southeast: the length of the ledge is about 30 rod-, its 
perpendicular height perhaps (50 feet, and its front irregular and broken. 
Here, in a formidable mass on the western side, and on the eastern, the 
water rushes from the rapid torrent above, and descending in every va- 
riety of form, with the mass of foam at the bottom rising in a misty 
eloud, and the surrounding scenery presents a scene of remarkably pic- 
turesque beauty. There are falls and rapids both above and below the 
main cataract, but of much smaller scale. " The whole descent, ' says 
Dr. Dwight, "is about 130 feet, nobly arranged and distributed, and 
comprehending a remarkable variety of beauty and grandeur." 

The buildings connected with the "Salisbury Iron Manufacturing 
Co." are situated a short distance above the main fall, on the Salisbury 
side of the Housatonic ; there are also iron works below the falls, a 
forge and anchor shop are on the Canaan side. This place is 18 miles 
from Litchfield, 45 from Hartford, and -1 from Salisbury center. 

The face of the township is broken and mountainous. Considerable 
quantities of limestone have been quarried. 



COLEBROOK 



Colebrook is an elevated township, the central part of which is 31 
miles northwest from Hartford, and 18 miles northeast from Litchfield, 
bounded north by the Massachusetts line, east by Hartland, west by 
Norfolk, and south by Winchester. Its length from east to west is six 
miles, and its average breadth live. The township is hilly and moun- 
tainous, and the soil a hard gravelly loam, and generally stony. It is 
in general rather cold and wet, but affords tolerable good grazing. The 
main branch of the Farmington river intersects the eastern part of the 
town, and affords excellent mill seats. The population of the town in 
1810 was 1,243; in 1830, it was J ,332. 

It is said that in the year 1790, some laborers in this town, digging 
to the depth of nine or ten feet, found three large tusks, and two thigh 
bones, the latter of which measured each about four feet and four inches 
mi length, and twelve inches and a half in circumference. It is added 
thai when first discovered they were entire ; but that as soon as they 
were exposed to the air, they mouldered into dust.* 

The following is a representation of the Congregational church, situ- 
ated in the central part of the town, and some of the buildings in the vi- 
cinity. The hill seen back of the church is sometimes denominated 
Mount Pisgah. The first settler in the town, Benjamin Horton, loca- 
ted himself about three fourths of a mile south from this place, on the 
Norfolk road, in December, 1705; Joseph Rockwell came in January, 
1700; Joseph Seymour and Nathan Rt^s, in the following April and 
May, and Samuel Rockwell in 1707. The common method of clear- 
ing land was to girdle the timber; on the third year after girdling, it 
was sown with rye and seeded down to grass : the average crop was 



• American i 



CORNWALL, 



465 








Southwestern view of Colebrook, (central part.} 

from 20 to 25 bushels to the acre. The land thus partially cleared, pro- 
duced good pasturage for 7 or 8 years, when the remaining timber on 
the land having principally fallen, it became necessary to clear it; be- 
ing fallowed down, it produced good wheat and rye. When the land 
was new, it produced good oats and turnips. Apple trees, at the first 
settlement of the town, did not flourish. The town was organized into 
an ecclesiastical society in 1786, and the first meeting house was built 
about the same time. Rev. Dr. Jonathan Edwards, of New Haven, 
son of the celebrated divine of the same name, was installed the first 
pastor, in 1795. He however continued here but 3 or 4 years, being 
appointed President of Union College, in Schenectady. The Rev. 
Chauncey Lee, D. D. was the next minister. There are at present five 
houses of worship in the limits of the town, 1 Congregational, 2 Bap- 
tist, 1 Methodist, and 1 for various denominations. 



CORNWALL 



This township was laid out in fifty three allotments, and sold by the 
colony at Fairfield in 1738, at fifty pounds per right. The first per- 
manent settlement was made about 1740, there being this year 13 fam- 
ilies in the town. The first inhabitants were from various pans of the 
colony, the greatest number being from Plainfield. These were per- 
sons by the name of Jewett, Spaulding, Barret, Squires, and others. 
Those by the name of Allen and Griffin, were from Litchfield ; the 
Fullers and Robertses from Colchester. There were other persons 
from Tolland, Norvvalk, and some from Massachusetts. Such a num- 
ber of persons planted themselves in the town at once, that they were 
able to support a minister from the commencement of the settlement, 

59 



466 



CORNWALL 



In August, 1741, the Rev. Solomon Palmer was ordained their pastor. 
" He continued with them in peace until March, 1754, when on the 
Sahhath, to the great surprise of the people, he declared himself an 
Episcopalian in sentiment. He soon after went to England, and ob- 
tained orders. He was originally of Bran ford, and had his education 
at Yale College."* 




Northeastern view of South Cornwall. 

Cornwall is situated 38 miles west from Hartford, and 48 northwest 
from New Haven ; bounded north by Canaan, west by the Housatonic, 
separating it from Sharon, east by Goshen, and south by Warren and 
Kent. Its average length from north to south is more than nine miles, 
and its breadth about five. The face of the township is hilly and 
mountainous, but the soil is fertile and productive, being well adapted 
both to grain and grazing. Several minerals have been discovered in 
this town ; in the western section, in what is called Mine Mountain, 
near the Housatonic, veins of black lead have been discovered in vari- 
ous places ; about two miles south of the principal settlement, a bed 
of porcelain clay has been discovered ; there are also various indica- 
tions of iron ore. 

The above shows the appearance of the village of South Cornwall, 
as seen from the road which passes from Goshen to Sharon. The 
drawing was taken from the house of George Wheaton, Esq. on the 
elevated ground about one mile n. e. from the Congregational church, 
There are two mercantile stores, and about twenty dwelling houses, 
within half a mile of the church. The appearance of this village and 
the surrounding objects, as seen from the road above mentioned, con- 
stitutes one of the most interesting and striking scenes to be met with 
in the slate. The cheerful appearance of the church and the little 



* Dr. Trumbull. 



GOSHEN. 467 

cluster of white painted buildings surrounding it, at the bottom of a 
deep valley, is uncommonly pleasing. The mountains and lofty hills 
which rise immediately on almost every side, shutting out in a sense 
the rest of the world from this apparently retired spot, present a bold 
and most striking feature in the landscape. The mountain seen south 
of the village is Coifs Foot Mountain, so called it is said from the 
circumstance of a colt's foot being found on its summit, which was 
probably carried there by some wild animal, as the mountain is almost 
inaccessible. This village is the place where the Foreign Mission 
School was established in 1818. The building in which the school 
was kept is the westernmost in the cluster seen around the church. 
This school had its rise from the attempt to qualify Obookiah, a pious 
Owyheean youth, and others, for missionaries to their native lands. 
Obookiah was brought to this country in 1808, and came to New Ha- 
ven. While here, Samuel J. Mills, a student in Yale College, and 
other pious persons, commiserating his condition, instructed him in the 
Christian religion. Obookiah soon became hopefully pious, and strong- 
ly advocated a mission to his countrymen. Other natives of his island 
were found, and a school was established for their benefit at Cornwall. 
In 1820, the number of pupils in this school was 29, of whom 19 were 
American Indians, and 6 from the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Oboo- 
kiah sickened and died in Cornwall in 1818. The following is the in- 
scription on his monument in the village grave yard. 

In memory of Henry Obookiah, a native of Owyhee. His arrival in this country 
gave rise to the Foreign Mission School, of which he was a worthy member. He 
was once an Idolater, and was designed for a Pagan Priest; but by the grace of God, 
and by the prayers and instructions of pious friends, he became a Christian. He was 
eminent for piety and missionary zeal. When almost prepared to return to his native 
isle to preach the Gospel, God took him to himself. In his last sickness, he wept and 
prayed for Owyhee, but was submissive. He died without fear, with a heavenly smile 
on his countenance and glory in his soul, Feb. 17th, 1818, aged 26. 



GOSHEN, 



The township of Goshen was sold at New Haven, in December, 
1737, and its settlement commenced in one or two years afterwards. 
The first inhabitants were principally from New Haven, Wallingford, 
and Farmington. It is stated that the houses of Gideon Thompson and 
John Beach, who were among the first settlers, were palisadoed in, for a 
defense against the Indians. Mr. Beach's house was situated on East 
street, about 2£ miles from the present South Congregational church ; 
the house of Mr. Thompson, stood on West street, near a mile to the 
southwest. Goshen was incorporated as a town in 1749. It is bound- 
ed n. by Norfolk, e. by Torrington and Winchester, w. by Cornwall, 
and s. by Litchfield: it is 9 miles in length and 4 £ in breadth. The 
central part is 6 miles from Litchfield, 32 west from Hartford and 42 
from New Haven. It is the most elevated township in the state, but not 
generally mountainous ; the surface being undulating, affording an in- 
teresting diversity of hills and vales. The soil is a gravelly loam, deep, 



468 



IIOSHEN. 



strong and fertile, admirably adapted for grazing. This is one of the best 
towns for the dairy business in the state. Large quantities of cheese 
are annually made, the fame of which is widely and justly celebrated, 
and the inhabitants are generally in prosperous circumstances. In neat- 
ness, in and about their dwellings, and in the appearance of general 
comfort and prosperity, they are not exceeded, if equalled, by any town 
in the state. 




South view of Goshen, [central part.) 



The above is a representation of the Congregational church and some 
other buildings in the central part of the town. The building seen on 
the right, with a small spire, is the Academy, where the higher branches 
of education are taught. The common district school-house is of brick, 
the first building seen in the engraving south of the church. The other 
Congregational church in the town, is four miles northeast from this. 
There was formerly an Episcopal church, situated about 2 miles to the 
northeast. About the time of the American Revolution, the Episcopal 
society, becoming very much reduced in numbers, sold their house to the 
north Congregational society ; but while they were endeavoring to draw 
it towards their section of the town, it was blown down by the wind. The 
first meeting house in the town was built of lows ; it stood about 80 rods 
below the church seen in the engraving. The elevated ground seen 
beyond the houses in the erlgraving, is called Ivy mountain. This is 
considered the most elevated point of land in the state. It affords a 
most extensive and interesting prospect, in almost every direction ; to 
the west is a view of the Catskill mountains for a considerable extent, 
their rugged features, and high and disorderly hills ; and to the east is a 
view of the elevated country east of Connecticut river. There is this 
rare and peculiar circumstance, with respect to what is called the East 
street, in Goshen ; that the rain which falls on the front of the houses, 
descends into the Housatonic river, and that which falls on the back 



NEW HARTFORD 



473 




Northern vieiv of New Hartford, (North village.) 

situated in a deep valley, the hills and mountains rising immediately on 
every side, excepting the valley through which the river and turnpike 
passes. The Congregational church is seen on the extreme right of the 
engraving. The mountain is sometimes called Bare Spot Mountain, 
from the circumstance of a bare spot, destitute of trees and shrubbery, 
being found on its summit. This village is about 2£ miles north of the 
old Congregational church and town house, 20 miles from Hartford, 16 
from Litchfield, 45 from New Haven, and 75 from Albany. About 
three fourths of a mile to the southeast is another village, about the size 
of the one described, which has been built up in the course of five or 
six years past, called Kellogg, or lower village ; it has a woolen factory, 
and an est. Ushment for manufacturing machinery for making woolen 
cloth. Besides the two Congregational churches, there is one for the 
Baptist denomination, situated in the southwest part of the town. 

In the eastern part of this town there is a rough and mountainous district, formerly 
designated Satan's Kingdom, and the iew inhabitants who lived here were in a meas- 
ure shut out from the rest of mankind. An inhabitant of the town invited one of his 
neighbors, who lived within the limits of this district, to go and hear Mr. Marsh, the 
first minister who was settled in the town. He was prevailed upon to go to church 
in the forenoon. In the course of his prayer, Mr. Marsh, among other tilings, prayed 
that Satan's kingdom might be destroyed. It appears that the inhabitant of this dis- 
trict, took the expression in a literal and tangible sense, having probably never heard 
the expression used but in reference to the district wherein he resided. Being asked 
to go to meeting in the afternoon, he refused, stating that Mr. Marsh had insulted him; 
" for blast him," said he, " when he prayed for the destruction of Satan's kingdom, he 
very well knew all my interests lay there." 

The following are extracts from the town records. 

At a town meeting, Dec. 19th 1738. — Committee appointed to make application to 
Mr. Baulden to come and settle in the ministry, and if he refuse, then to Mr. Robords, 
and if he refuse to accept of the caul, then to Mr. Marsh, sun to Rev. Mr. Marsh of 
Windsor, and if he refuse, then to Mr. Timo. Woodbridge. Adjourned to May 22, 
1739, when it was voted and unanimously agreed, that it is needful to proceed, and 
that we will proceed to built a meeting house, &c. Mr. Stephen Kelsey appointed 

60 



474 NEW M1LFORD. 

agent to solicit a committee from the Gen. Assembly, to determine upon the site for 
the meeting house. Matthew Gillet and Saml. Benham, quoristors, to tune or set the 
psalms. 

June 26, 1739.— Voted to give Mr. Marsh a salary of £100 yearly for 4 years, and 
after that to add five pounds a year till it amount to £140. Voted to give Mr. Marsh 
£2 5s. for each Sabbath he shall preach till he is settled, he to board himself. 

July 21, 1739. — Voted to give Mr. Marsh £100 a year for three years, and after that 
to add £10 a year till it amount to £150. Voted, that we will proceed to build a meet- 
ing house, &c. and the length shall be 50 foots, and the bredth 40 foots. 

Sept. 11, 1739. — Voted to add 5 foots to the length of the meeting house. Voted, 
that the ordination of Mr. Marsh be on the 2d Wednesday of October next. Voted, 
that the time to begin to raise the meeting house be the 20th May, 1740. Committee 
may hire assistance to raise the house, if it cannot be done otherwise. Voted, that the 
committee make a sutabel preparation of liquer for the raising of the meeting house. 

9th March, 1741, a committee appointed to consult with some of the neighboring 
ministers, and with their advice appoint a day of fasting and prayer, and notify the 
inhabitants thereof. 

Sept. 21, 1749. — Voted, that the Rev. Mr. Marsh have his choice of any pew in the 
meeting house, for to accommodate his lamily to sit in on the Lord's day, and at other 
times. 



NEW MILFORD. 

New Milfokd, the largest town in territorial extent in Connecticut 
is in the southwestern extremity of the county. It is bounded n. by 
Kent, e. by Washington, Roxbury and Southbury, s. by Newtown and 
Brookfield, and w. by New Fairfield and Sherman. It has an average 
length of 13 miles, and an average breadth of 6A miles, comprising an 
area of 84 square miles. The township is hilly and broken, several 
mountainous ridges extending through it. " The soil is much diversi- 
fied, and where susceptible of cultivation, it is generally good; but on 
the whole more distinguished for grain than grass. There are, however, 
large quantities of excellent meadow ground, but the pasturage is, on 
the whole, not abundant. It is essentially a farming town. Large 
quantities of grain are annually raised. The township is centrally in- 
tersected by the Housatonic : two branches of the Ashpetuck, Rocky 
and Still rivers, with other streams, enter the Housatonic in this town, 
affording numerous excellent mill seats. On Second hill, in the eastern 
part of the town, from two to three miles from the central village, are 
inexhaustible quantities of granite of a superior quality. There are also 
a number of extensive marble quarries in the town. The hatting bu- 
siness is carried on to some extent in Bridgewater society. There are 
9 houses of worship in the town, 2 Congregational, 2 Episcopal, 2 Bap- 
tist, 2 Methodist, and 1 for Friends or Quakers. 

The following ancient history of the town of New Milford, is ex- 
tracted from Rev. Stanley Griswold's sermon, delivered at New Mil- 
ford, January 7th, 1801, which was by a vote of the town entered on 
their records. For these extracts, with some additional notes and other 
valuable information, the author is indebted to the Hon. David S. 
Boardman, of New Milford. 

" The town of New Milford was purchased of the colony of Con- 
necticut, by a company of individuals, chiefly belonging to Milford, in 
this state: hence the name it received, New Milford. This purchase 



NEW MILFORD. 475 

was made in the year 1703, about 98 years ago.* Afterwards an ad- 
ditional purchase was made, which forms the northern extremity of the 
town, and was called the north purchase. This was made in the year 
1722. This town is now, 1 believe, the largest in territorial limits of 
any town in the state, and formerly was somewhat longer than it is at 
present. A part of it was set off on the south end, west of the river, 
to help form the town of Brookfield. Another part was set off on the 
northeast corner, to help form the town of Washington. Still, as it now 
remains, the longest right line through it from northeast to southwest is 
not far from 20 miles. f 

" The first settlement that was made in this town by civilized peo- 
ple, was in the year 1707 ; so that New Milford has now been settled 
about 93 years. At that time a considerable number of the natives 
inhabited here, of whom there were reckoned about 200 warriors. 
They dwelt chiefly along the intervale by the river, a part of which 
intervale is to this day called Indian Field ;J and several of their bu- 
rial grounds are yet to be seen in various parts of the town. Their 
graves are of a circular form, and the persons were buried sitting up, 
as in a natural position, on the ground. For some time after the white 
people came here, an Indian chief or sachem, named Werauhamaug,\\ 
had a palace standing near the Great falls, where he resided. On the 
inner walls of this palace, (which were of bark with the smooth side 
inwards,) were pictured every known species of beast, bird, fish and 
insect, from the largest down to the smallest. This was said to have 
been done by artists whom a friendly prince at a great distance sent to 
him for that purpose, as Hiram to Solomon. In this palace, the fore- 
mentioned chief was visited by the Rev. Mr. Boardman, first minister 
of this town, during his last sickness, and at his death. Mr. Boardman 
has left in manuscript, a minute and circumstantial account of his labors 
with the sachem to enlighten him in right Christian doctrines, as also 
the singular, rude, and abusive behavior of the other natives on the oc- 

* This tract was called Weantinogue. The original purchasers and proprietors 
were 109 in number, 99 of whom were purchasers of whole rights, and 10 of half 
rights : 24 shillings was the purchase of a whole, and 12 shillings of a half right. No 
individual had originally more than one right. The first division of land was granted 
in December, 1706, and was a home lot of 7 and a half acres and 10 acres for pasture. 
The 2d division was in May, 1712, of two lots of 40 acres each upon a right; ten other 
divisions were granted before 1760. New Milford first sent representatives to the 
General Assembly in 1725. It was the second town settled in the county. Woodbury 
was the first. 

t About 18 miles. 

i On the west bank of the river, opposite the village. 

II He was so considerable a personage as to have reserved, as his hunting ground, a 
considerable part of the present society of New Preston, which always, until the in- 
corporation of the town of Washington, of which it is a part, was called Raumaug, 
after the original proprietor, dropping ibr convenience sake, the prefix we. I have 
often seen the grave of this chief in the Indian burying ground, at no great distance 
from his place of residence ; distinguished, however, only by its more ample dimen- 
sions, from the surrounding graves, out of many of which large trees are now growing. 
There is a similar burving ground on the west side of the river, opposite to and in 
sight of our village, (New Milford,) on the bluff, bounding the Indian field, so called, 
and contiguous to Fort Hill, the site of the last Indian fortress known to have existed 
in this town. 



476 N P. W MILFORD. 

casion ; from whence it appears that few or none of those people, (the 
sachem excepted,) were disposed at that time to embrace Christianity: 
and so far as those people in this town and its neighborhood were ever 
converted to the Christian religion, it was a considerable time after- 
wards, by the Moravian missionaries. Count Zinzendorf himself came 
to this town and preached here. After the conversion of the natives 
by the Moravians, they quitted their settlements here on religious ac- 
counts, and removed to Bethlem, in Pennsylvania, where the brethren 
of that communion chiefly resided. But finding it very unhealthy for 
them there, and a large number dying, the remnant removed back 
again, where they have lived and gradually dwindled ever since.* 
The natives had sundry fortresses, or military stations, in and about 
this town, to guard against attacks from distant tribes. Some spots in 
the town bear an allusion to them to this day, as Fort Hill, Guarding 
Mountain,^ ^c. 

" It has been said that all the tribes along by this river, from its source to the sea, 
were in strict alliance and friendship ; and that by means of certain sounds made on 
their guarding heights, an alarm might bespread in the space of three hours, through 
the whole line of tribes, a distance of near '200 miles. The natives were generally 
vei y li iendly, and serviceable to the first settlers of this town, by defending them from 
hostile attacks, and by supplying them with such provisions as they could furnish. 
They had several reserves of land made for their accommodation in and about the 
town, as for a considerable lime the Indian field, so called, the place once called Rau- 
maug, (from the name of the sachem before mentioned,) now in the parish of New 
Preston ; the Great Falls, which they reserved for the fishing of lampreys ; and lastly, 
the place where they now reside, called Scatacook. The two former they sold many 
years since, the two latter they still own. But their number has ever been diminish- 
ing since the neighborhood of the white people, and at this time they are reduced to a 
mere handful. So much for the natives. 

" The first white settler who came to this town was John Noble, 
from Westfield, state of Massachusetts, who came here in the year 
1707. He brought with him at first one of his daughters, then about 
eight years old. He first built him a hut under what is called Fort 
hill, but afterwards removed and pitched here, in the present center of 
the town. His house here was for some time the last house on this 
side of Albany, and Gen. Nicholson once lodged in it, in the wars un- 
der the reign of Queen Anne. It deserves to be mentioned, to the 
credit of the natives, that Mr. Noble once left his little daughter here, 
8 years old, alone with them, for the space of three or four weeks, 
while he was necessarily absent from the town, and on his return he 
found she had been well treated, and taken exceedingly good care of. 

* When the Indians returned from Pennsylvania, as mentioned by Mr. Griswold, 
few of them took up their permanent residence in this town. They joined the Scata- 
cook tribe, but used for a long time in the season of fishing, annually' to revisit their 
fishing ground at the Great Falls, two and a half miles below the village, for the pur- 
pose of taking lampreys, their favorite fish, which are not found above these falls. 
This stand they never would part with, and, though occupied by the whiles also for 
the same purpose, the Indians' rights were always recognized, and even to this day, 
when a straggler comes there, the whites allow them their turn. The Scatacook tribe 
are not quite extinct, and the few who remain, are under the care of an overseer ap- 
pointed by the state, and who annually reports the state of their affairs to the county 
court of this county. Scatacook is situated in the town of Kent, and the account of 
it belongs to that town, and not to New Milford ; and I only add this note to guard 
against a possible misconception of Mr. G.'s meaning in the place noted, 

t On the bluff adjoining the mountain back of the Indian field. 



NEW MILFORD. 477 

" It is impossible at this distance of time to ascertain the exact order in which the 
subsequent settlers came to this town, or the identical years in which they came. It 
is presumed, however, that we have obtained by diligent search and enquiry of the 
ftged, somewhere near the order of their coming, as also the places from whence they 
came. We shall first mention the names of those who came more than GO years ago, 
(whom we may consider the first settlers,) together with the places whence they emi- 
grated, setting them down in the order in which it is supposed they came, viz. John 
Noble, Westfield; John Bosiwick, Stratford ; Zechariah Ferriss, Stratford; Samuel 
Hitchcock, Springfield, Mass.; Samuel Brownson, Farmington ; Roger Brownson, 
Farminston ; John Weller, Springfield ; Jeremiah Canfield, Milford ; Daniel Board- 
man, Wethersfield; Samuel Camp, Milford; Theophilus Baldwin, Milford; Ebene- 
zer Baldwin, Milford ; William Gaylord, Windsor ; James Hine, Milford; Daniel 
Hine, Milford; Joseph Warner, Hadley, Mass.; John Warner, Hadley, Mass.; 
James Prime, Milford ; John Welch, Milford ; Paul Welch, Milford ; Thomas 
Pickett, Danbury; Jonathan Buck, Wethersfield ; Enoch Buck, Wethersfield ; Eze- 
kiel Buck, Wethersfield; Henry Garlick, England; Eleazer Beecher, Milford; 
Joseph Ruggles, New Haven ; Nathan Collins, Milford; Joseph Collins, Milford; 
Amos Collins, Milford ; Ezekiel Paine, Rhode Island ; Samuel Peel, Stratford ; 
John Peet, Stratford; Thaddeus Peet, Stratford; Thomas Oviatt, Milford; Gamaliel 
Terrill, Milford; Nathan Terrill, Milford; Job Terrill, Milford; James Terrill, 
Milford ; Caleb Terrill, Milford ; Joseph Murray, Westchester, N. Y. ; Josiah Smith, 
Danbury. [A long list follows, but it will be quite useless to pursue it.] 

" The first white male child born in this town was the late Lieut. 
Daniel Bostwick ;* and the first female was Mrs. Sarah Noble, for- 
merly Ferris, now living. And it is worthy of remark, that three per- 
sons have lived in this town to be more than 100 years of age, two of 
whom are now living. 

" The early part of the settlement here was somewhat retarded by a 
tedious lawsuit, regarding the title to a considerable tract in the center 
of the town. Col. John Read claimed it. under a title from the natives, 
and removed here to gain a residence and defend his title. This dis- 
couraged settlers under the company's title from coming on, and but 
a small number came the few first years. These few, like all other 
first settlers, saw troublous times ; and their names are worthy the af- 
fectionate remembrance and praise of their posterity. It was common 
for them to carry their fire arms into the field to labor, and they were 
obliged to provide a fortified house to resort to in time of danger ; and 
they were sometimes reduced to distress, through the failure of provis- 
ions and the difficulty of supplying themselves. 

" The town plot or center was first laid out on the hill next east of 

the present center, whence that hill is to this day called Toivn Hill. 

Afterwards it was concluded to remove the center to the top of the hill 

next north of the present center, for which the first minister built and 

lived on that hill. But ultimately it was thought more convenient to 

place the center where it now is. 

" New Milford for a considerable time belonged to the County of New Haven ; but 
after Litchfield County was erected, it was set off to the latter. It is ascertained from 
the papers of the first minister, that in the year 1712, there were but 12 families in 
this town. Col. John Read, who is mentioned before as having been once a candidate 
for the ministry, preached the first sermon that ever was preached here. After he 
left the place, his house, which stood near where the present town house stands, was 
used as a place of worship for some years. The first meeting house was built in the 
year 1720. It stood near the foot of the hill, a few rods to the northeast of the present 
town house. There the first minister, Mr. Boardman, officiated during his life ; and 
the second minister, Mr. Taylor during some of the first years of his ministry. It is 



* This Daniel Bostwick was the youngest son of John Bostwick, the second settler 

who came here. 



478 



NEW MILFORD. 



said by the aged that when they first began to meet in that house, though it was small, 
yet every person in the town could sit around upon the outer sills, side by side. 

" The house in which we are now assembled, being the second meeting house, was 
built in the year 1754, about 47 years ago. The first Episcopal church was built in the 
year 1746; the second, which is the one now standing, began to be built 1765, was 
raised in 1766, about 35 years ago. It was finished and consecrated 1793. The 
Strict Congregationalists, usually called Separates, erected their house of worship in 
the year 1761,40 years ago, which is now standing. The Friends, commonly called 
Quakers, built their meeting house not far from the year 1742, now standing, though 
in another place than where it was first set. Another communion of Friends, follow- 
ers of Jemima Wilkinson, built a house of worship in the north end of the town about 
15 or 20 years ago, but it is now owned and occupied by the Episcopalians of New 
Preston. " The Baptists erected a house of worship in the south end of the town, called 
the Neck, (now Bridgewater society,) about 11 or 12 years ago; but it is sold and 
now used for another purpose. 

" This naturally leads us to consider more particularly the several Christian persua- 
sions, denominations or societies, contained in this town. The eldest here is the Pres- 
byterian, or more properly the Congregationalists. Most or all of the earliest settlers 
were of that denomination. This society may therefore be considered as old as the 
town ; but the professing members were not gathered into a church until the year 1716. 
It then consisted of 8 men and 5 women. There have been three ministers ordained 
in this society. The first was the Rev. Daniel Boardman from Wethersfield. He 
came into this town first to preach as a candidate, in the year 1712. He was ordained 
on the 21st Nov. 1716. He died Aug. 25th, 1744, in the 58lh year of his age, having 
served here 27 years and 9 months. It appears from his records, that he baptized 521 
persons, and married 67 couple. — The second minister was the Rev. Nathaniel Taylor 
from Danbury. He came first to preach as a candidate in January, 1748: was or- 
dained the 29th day of June following. He died Dec. 9th, 1800, aged 78 years and 3 
months, having been ordained 52 years and 5 months. According to his record, he 
baptized 927 persons, and married 349 couple. — Myself, who am the third minister, 
came first to preach as a candidate June 14th, 1789 : was ordained colleague pastor 
with the Rev. Mr. Taylor on the 20th day of January, 1790. I have baptized 232 per- 
sons, and married 103 couple. Many have been married by the civil authority, whose 
number I have not ascertained. 

" The next religious society in the order of time is the Friends, usually called Qua- 
kers. Their origin in this town was about the year 1731. Then 19 church members 
left the Presbyterian communion, and set up that society. About 10 years afterwards, 
they built their house of worship, which was set on a piece of ground which was given 
for that purpose, and also for the purpose of a burying place, by Zechariah Ferris, op- 
posite the dwelling house of Mr. David Ferris. Since that time it has been removed 
•to the place where it now stands, for the greater accommodation of the members ; 
where they now hold their regular meetings, though the number is but small. 

" The next religious society in the order of time is the Episcopalian. Some individ- 
uals of that profession came into this town at an earlier period, but no slated worship 
was held here till somewhere between the years 1740 and 1745. Worship was then 
carried on hereby the Rev. Mr. Beach of Newtown. One Mr. Barzillai Dean read 
service here for several years, then went to England for orders, with a view to settle 
here on his return, but died on his passage. — The first Episcopal minister who came 
and resided in this town, was the Rev. Solomon Palmer from Cornwall. He came in 
the year 1754, and removed to Litchfield about the year 1760 ; was minister here about 
six years. — The second was the Rev. Thomas Davis from Washington. He came 
here about the year 1761, and died in this town May 12th, 1766, in the 30th year of his 
age, and the sixth of his ministry. 

"The third Episcopal minister was the Rev. Richard Clark from Milford. He was 
settled here in June, 1767, and left the town in 1787. The society was then vacant 
for a few years. The fourth Episcopal minister was the Rev. Truman Marsh from 
Litchfield'. He was settled here in November, 1790, and left the town 9th of Nov. 
1799, and removed to Litchfield. He was minister here just 9 years. Since then the 
society has been vacant. — The next religious society in the order of time, is the Strict 
Congregationalist, commonly called Separates. This sprung out of the other societies 
in consequence of what is called the great revival of religion, or by others the New 
Light time, between the years 1710 arid 1750. Their first elder who preached statedly 
here, though he never was ordained over them, was Mr. Elihu Marsh. Their second 
was M i • Hubert Campbell, who was the first that was ordained over them. He was 
ordained heir 29 years ago, continued about 12 years, and was then dismissed and left 
the town. Their third elder was Mr. Barnabus Lathrop, who came here about 10 
years ago, and preached to them about two years. He afterwards joined the Presby- 
terian society, and died in this town April 10th, 1796, aged 57 years. Their fourth 



NEW MILFORD. 



479 



and now officiating elder, is Mr. Daniel Hine. He has been ordained over them 4 
years. [This society continued to maintain a separate worship till about the year 
1812, when having become very small, the members, on the recommendation (as it is 
understood) of elder Hine, dissolved the society, and the principal part of them joined 
either the Presbyterian society or the Baptists.]— The next religious denomination 
that may be mentioned are the Baptists. It is but quite lately that communion as- 
sumed the appearance of a regular society here. A small church was formed, and a 
house of worship built in the lower end of the town, called the Neck, [now Bridge- 
water society,] about 11 or 12 years ago; but they never had an elder settled over 
them, and within a few years past they sold their house and chiefly removed out of 
the town. A few scattered individuals remain, but no stated worship is performed. 




South view of New Milford, {central part.) 

" The last denomination we shall mention is one which is now extinct from the town, 
but not many years since existed in some numbers. They are the Friends, called Je- 
mimaitcs, gathered here by one Jemima Wilkinson. Between 15 and 20 years ago, a 
number of families in the northeastern part of the town, joined in that communion, 
and built a house of worship; but shortly afterwards they sold their house and private 
estates, and moved away in a body with their leader, into the western part of the state 
of New York, called the Genesee, in Ontario County. Their settlement was on or 
near the western shore of the Geneva Lake, about 20 miles south of the town of Ge- 
neva, where, though occasionally abandoned by some of her followers, Jemima con- 
tinued for many years to maintain her ascendancy over her remaining followers, and 
even it is said until her death, since which nothing has here been heard of them, and 
it is supposed that the society as such has become extinct. — A few individuals of other 
persuasions have been or still are in the town, such as Seventh Day Baptists, Scotch 
Presbyterians, Glassites and Methodists, but no society of these has been formed. 

" Thus have I endeavored to sketch something of the ecclesiastical history of the 
town." 

[Here follows what the preacher styles the civil and military history of the town, 
but containing nothing peculiar, and consisting principally of the names of the civil 
and military officers of the town, in chronological order, this part of the extract is 
omitted in this copy.] 

" The first bridge that was ever built over the Housatonic river from 
the sea to its source, was built in this town, and was finished in July, 
1737. The first school that was set up in this town, was in the year 
1721 : it was to be kept four months in the year, and the town to pay 
one half of the expense. At this time there are 22 school districts in 
this town, exclusive of those in the parish of New Preston; and it is 
computed that about 700 children attend in them through the winter 
season." 



480 NEW MILFORD. 

The village of New Mi I ford consists of about 60 dwelling houses and 
5 mercantile stores. The engraving shows the appearance of the cen- 
tral street, as it is seen from the south end. It is wide, and about 60 
rods in length. The building which is seen on the right is the ancient 
Episcopal church, which was taken down the present year, and a new 
church is now erecting. The Congregational church, erected in 1833, 
is seen to the north : the old church stood in the street, about 30 rods 
southerly from the one seen in the engraving. This place is 18 miles 
s. w. of Litchfield, 36 n. w. from New Haven, and 48 from Hartford. 



From the Connecticut Journal, March 18th, 1768. 
We hear from New Milford, that a manufactory has lately been opened there, 
wherein were wrought, or rather imitated, New York 40s. bills of currency, and Span- 
ish milled dollars, to a great degree of imperfection; but that, notwithstanding the 
present prevailing scarcity of money, and loud call for industry, it is thought that 
branch of business may prove prejudicial to the public, and therefore the artificers 
already labor under great discouragements from every quarter, and near one dozen 
of them embarrassed with a close confinement in a distant cage, where a bill is pre- 
pared upon some obvious specimens of their ingenuity, to assert their title to the Royal 
Bounty. Strange! how variously mankind distinguish themselves! no less by their 
actions than features. 



New Milford, Aug. 8th, 1775. 
The Riflemen on their way from the southern colonies through the country, admin- 
ister the new fashioned discipline of tar and feathers to the obstinate and refractory lo- 
ries that they meet on their road, which has had a very good effect here. Those whose 
crimes are of a more atrocious nature, they punish by sending them to General Gage. 
They took a man in this town, a most incorrigible tory, who called them d — d rebels, 
&c, and made him walk before them to Litchfield, which is 20 miles, and carry one 
of his own geese all the way in his hand : when they arrived there, they tarred him, 
and made him pluck his goose, and then bestowed the feathers on him, drummed him 
out of the company, and obliged him to kneel down and thank them for their lenity. 



The following inscriptions are from monuments in the grave yard in 
the central village. 

In memory of the Rev. Thomas Davies, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, an active 
worthy missionary from the venerable society in England, who departed this life May 
12th, 1766, in the 30th year of his age. He met death with the greatest Christian for- 
titude, being supported by the rational hope of a blessed immortality. 
The sweet remembrance of the just 
Does flourish now he sleeps in dust. 
Vita bene acta? jucundissima est recordatio. 

Mrs. Ann Bostwick, the consort of Samuel Bostwick, Esq., died Sept. 21st, 1783, m 
the 59th year of her age. 

Death's strong assault enervates the failing frame, 

The vault receives the pittance of an hour, 
The rising soul to God extends her claim, 
Brightens in bliss, and triumphs in his power. 

Samuel Bostwick, Esq. died Sept. 23d, 1789, aged 66 years. He was the 5th son of 
Major John Bostwick, who was the son of John Bostwick, who was the son of Arthur 
Bostwick, who migrated from ye town of Cheshire in England. — In death the rational 
mind ceases to communicate to the living; a marble genealogy succeeds, and the 
crave becomes a monitor. 



In memory of Paul Welch, Esq., one of the first principal settlers of this town, and 
an original proprietor of the same, departed this life Aug. 26th, 1778, in the 82d year 
of his age. — In his day he served the town in most offices of trust and honor, gave good 
satisfaction, and died possessed of a large estate. 



NORFOLK. 481 

In memory of Samuel Piatt, the first of this town, and one of its original proprietors, 
departed this life 22d July, 1783, in the Gist year of his age.— An honest man, that 
feared God and hated wickedness. 



Sacred to the memory of Partridge Thacher, Esq., who departed this life Jan. 9th, 
1786, in the 7'2d year of his age. — Composed by the deceased P. Thacher, Esq. : Rest 
here, my body, till the Archangel's voice, more sonorous far than nine fold thunder, 
wakes the sleeping dead ; then rise to thy just sphere, and be my house immortal. 



NORFOLK. 



Norfolk is an elevated township, the centrai part of which is 35 
miles northwest from Hartford ; hounded north by the Massachusetts 
line, west by Canaan, east by Colebrook and Winchester, and south by 
Goshen. It is nine miles in length from north to south, and four and 
a half in breadth. 

" The settlement of Norfolk began in 1744. This township, and 
several of the adjacent ones, were owned by the then colony of Con- 
necticut ; and they were severally sold at public vendue at Middle- 
town, in 1742. Timothy Horsford of Windsor took a deed of one 
right of 400 acres, which he retained. All the other proprietors re- 
linquished their rights, and forfeited their first payment, which was 40 
shillings on a right. The town was originally laid out in 53 rights, of 
which one was reserved for a parsonage, one for the benefit of schools, 
and one for the first minister. Timothy Horsford sold his right to 
Titus Brown, who afterwards removed to this town and died here." 
The names of the first settlers were Titus and Cornelius Brown, from 
Windsor ; John Turner and Jedediah Richards, from Hartford. They 
lived on Brown's right. They were pious and exemplary families, and 
attended public worship in Canaan. 

In 1754, Norfolk was sold at public vendue at Middletown, the 
second time, excepting Brown's right. Soon after, a number of fami- 
lies moved into the town, and the settlement made considerable pro- 
gress. The town was incorporated in 175S ; at this time there were 
27 families. In 1761, the Rev. Ammi R. Robbins was ordained as 
the first minister. At the time of his settlement the number of fami- 
lies in the place had increased to sixty. From this time there was a 
gradual increase of inhabitants, till about the year 1S00, when the 
number of families had increased to about two hundred and ninety, 
comprising a population of 1,649. Since this period the spirit of emi- 
gration to the west has retarded and reduced the population. In 
1810, the population was 1,441 ; in 1830, the population was 1,485, 
being an increase of 44 in twenty years. 

This town is elevated and mountainous. The soil is a primitive 
gravelly loam, generally cold and stony, but has considerable depth, 
and affords good grazing. Formerly large quantities of sugar were 
made from the maple : more than 20,000 lbs. have been manufactured 
in a single season ; but since the land has been cleared by progressive 
settlements, and in consequence of the destruction of the maple trees 
by some tornadoes, the business has greatlv declined. The dairy busi- 

61 



4S2 



N O RF O L K. 



ness comprises the principal interests of the town. A stream, called 
Blackberry river, runs near the center of the place, and a little west- 
ward of the Con "relational church falls over a ledrre of rocks 30 feet 
in height. This is an excellent site for mills, of which there are sev- 
eral near this spot. 




East view of Norfolk, [central part.) 

The above is a representation of the Congregational church, and 
most of the buildings in the immediate vicinity. This little village has 
a small open square, or green, in front of the church, and is uncom- 
monly neat and beautiful in its general appearance. About half a mile 
north is another village, in which are 2 woolen and 3 sythe factories. 
There are, perhaps, in both places, about 30 dwelling houses, and four 
or five mercantile stores. The central part is 35 miles from Hartford, 
17 from Litchfield, 42 from Hudson, and 60 from Albany. 



Litchfield, December 5, 1786. {No. 998.) 
We learn from Norfolk, that on the 23d ult. four wolves appealed in that neighbor- 
hood, immediately after the good people had assembled to prefer their annual adora 
tions, and as it was imagined those voracious animals intended an attack on the harm- 
less tenants of the fold, information of their visit was sent to the place of worship, 
when about 80 men turned out to go in pursuit of, and destroy them. The whole of 
this formidable body, well armed, moved in a circular form, to an adjacent mountain, 
the supposed retreat of these carnivorous unwelcome guests, and having by this judi- 
cious movement had the good luck to surround them, the whole were made piisoners; 
three surrendered at discretion; the other, having broken through their ranks, was 
shot in making his escape. The whole pnrtv then retired to an inn, and spent the day 
in joy and festivity. The coldness of the weather at the northward, must certainly 
have compelled these createres to take shelter in our woods. 



The following inscription is from a monument in the burying ground, 
upwards of half a mile north of the Congregational church. 

Rev. Ammi Ruham Robbins, a faithful minister of his blessed Lord. He was born 
in Branford, August 25, 17 10, O. S.. and graduated at Yale Coll. 1760. At the age of 
twenty one, he was ordained the first pastor of Norfolk. He lived to bury all that 
called him to the charge, and with the anxious feelings of a father, addressed his flock 



P L Y MOUTH 



483 



as children. He was humble, yet zealous ; peaceable, yet bold, in his master's cause. 
In the duties of his office, he was sincere, tender, and affectionate. His doctrine, and 
his life reflected credit on each other. And in his death, he strikingly exemplified 
that resignation to the divine will, which he steadily preached to others. When called 
for, he said. " let me go and receive mercy." He died on the 31st day of October, 1813, 
aged 73. 



PLYMOUTH. 

Plymouth became an independent society in the town of Waterbury, 
in 1739, by the name of Northbury. At this time Westbury belonged 
to this society, but was afterwards incorporated as a distinct society, re- 
taining its name. Afterwards both of these societies were incorporated 
as towns. Northbury was incorporated as a town, by the name of Ply- 
mouth, in 1795. 




East view of the central part of Plymouth. 

It is bounded n. by Harwinton and Litchfield, e. by Bristol, w. by 
Watertown, and s. by Waterbury and Wolcott. Its average length from 
north to south is 5£ miles ; its breadth nearly 5. The township is quite 
uneven and hilly; the soil is a gravelly loam, abounding with primitive 
or granite rocks. The town is watered by the Naugatuc, which passes 
through its western section from north to south, and is a fine mill stream. 
The manufacture of clocks is an important branch of business in this 
town, there being seven clock factories, two of which are very extensive. 

The above is a representation of the Congregational and Episcopal 
churches, in the central part of Plymouth. The village immediately 
around the churches consists of about 30 dwelling houses, 3 mercantile 
stores, and a number of mechanic shops, and is on an elevated situation, 
commanding an extensive prospect to the westward ; it is 22 miles from 
Hartford, and about 31 miles from New Haven. The Episcopal church 
is seen on the right ; above this building in the distance is seen the Con- 
gregational church in Northfield,. standing on the summit of a high hill, 



484 ROXBURY. 

4J miles distant. The road seen in the engraving is the Hartford turn- 
pike ; it passes the Congregational church, and descends for nearly a 
mile into a deep valley, extending from north to south about one mile 
and a half: this place is called Plymouth Hollow. Here is a flourish- 
ing little village, containing 1 cotton and 3 clock factories. The clock 
factories belonging to Mr. Terry and Mr. Thomas are extensive. The 
manufacture of small wooden clocks, it is believed, first originated with 
Mr. Terry, about twenty years ago ; since this period, the manufacture 
of this kind of clocks has been widely extended, and forms a very im- 
portant branch of manufactures in this part of the state. 

In the south part of this town, near the Naugatuc river, lived Mr. John Sutliff, a 
respectable miller, who died perhaps 10 or 12 years since. Mr. Sutliff, when a young 
man, became possessed with the idea, that by digging into the mountain near his 
house he should be able to find silver, gold, and other precious metals. He expected 
to find the silver and gold in a state of fusion, so that he could dip it up with a ladle. 
He commenced digging by the Waterburv road, near the Watertown turnpike. In 
digging into the mountain, in order to avoid the rocks, stones and other obstructions, 
his course became very circuitous, and while digging as he supposed into the moun- 
tain, he in fact got round under the turnpike road. This was found to be the case in 
the following manner. Some person traveling on the road, hearing a noise under 
ground, beneath his feet, conjectured that it must be Sutliff digging. Having obtained 
assistance, he accordingly dug down and found Mr. Sutliff, who was quite angry in 
being interrupted in this manner. Although perfectly sane on all other subjects, he 
continued digging a little almost every day for the greater part of his life, for a period 
of perhaps 30 or 40 years, till the infirmities of old age compelled him to desist. 

Dr. Sylvanus Fansher, a native of this town, and now a resident of 
Southbury, has devoted nearly forty years of his life to the extension 
of the vaccine or kine pock inoculation, as a remedy against that scourge 
of the human race, the small pox. For his discoveries in expediting 
the kine pock, he has recently received a diploma from the " Royal 
Jennerian Society of London." About the year 1802, when the kine 
pock had become apparently extinct in this country, it was found that 
a number of persons in Danbury and Goshen had taken the infection 
or virus, from milking cows. Dr. Fansher states, that he took the 
virus from the pustule on the milk maid's hand, and inoculated an in- 
fant with it, and it proved to be the genuine kine pock. Dr. F. also 
states, that he has known several instances where the infection has been 
taken, without any apparent connection with the cow ; and it is his be- 
lief, that the infection is taken from some shrub or plant, from which, 
when discovered, we shall know something of the origin of the small 
pox, and have a sovereign remedy against it, at hand. Besides Danbury 
and Goshen, the genuine kine pock, or cow-pox, has been found exist- 
ing in Plymouth, Newtown, Southbury, Oxford, Woodbury, Meriden, 
Middletown and New Hartford. 



ROXBURY. 



Roxbury was originally a part of Woodbury, and was incorporated 
in 1801. It is bounded n. by Washington, e. by Woodbury, s. by 
Southbury, and w. by New Milford. It is about six miles and a half 
in length from north to south, and nearly four in breadth. The town- 



ROXB UR V. 



485 



ship is diversified with hills and valleys. The soil is a gravelly loam, 
interspersed with some small tracts of sandy loam. The lands are well 
adapted to grazing, but afford considerable grain. The town is watered 
on its western border by the Shepaug, a considerable branch of the Hou- 
satonic. About two miles northwest of the center of the town, in Mine 
hill, a silver mine was wrought to some extent before the Revolution- 
ary war, by some foreign miners. A shaft was sunk to a considerable 
depth. In digging for silver, a species of iron ore, called " steel ore," 
was discovered. 




Northeastern view of Roxbury, [central part.) 

The above is an eastern view of the central part of Roxbury, which 
is 32 miles northwest from New Haven, 46 from Hartford, and 15 
from Litchfield. The Congregational church is seen on the right; the 
Episcopal church is seen farther westward, in the center of the engra- 
ving. It appears that some of the first settlers were three families by 
the name of Baker, who located themselves about half a mile above 
the Episcopal church. About 2£ miles below the church, a family by 
the name of Castle were the first settlers. The first meeting house 
was built about one mile south of the present churches. 

Col. Seth Warner, distinguished for his military services in the Amer- 
ican army which captured Burgoyne, was a native of this town. Hon. 
Nathan Smith, a Senator of Congress from this state, Gen. Ephraim 
Hinman, distinguished for his humor and originality of character, and 
Royal JR. Hinman, Esq. the present secretary of this state, were all 
residents of this town. Secretary Hinman is the author and compiler 
of a work, consisting of letters from the kings and queens of England, 
with answers thereto ; with other ancient and curious documents ; a 
valuable publication, compiled from the ancient files in the department 
of state; and it is hoped that this laudable example will be followed in 
other states. 



486 SALISBURY. 

The following is copied from a monument in a grave yard north of the Episcopal 
church : 

In memory of Lieut. Thomas Weller, an officer in the United States army, who 
was murdered by Archibald W. Knapp, May 16th, 1814, aged 25 years and 9 mo. son 
of Thomas and Polly Weller. 

The circumstances respecting the death of Lieut. Weller, appear to be these. In 
the last war with Great Britain, Knapp enlisted as a soldier. The time having arri- 
ved for him to march on to the lines, he refused to go ; Weller, with three or four sol- 
diers, went to Knapp's residence in the lower part of New Milford, in order to take 
him by force. Knapp meeting him at the door, told him he had no ill will against 
him, but if he advanced any farther towards him he was a dead man. Weller disre- 
garding his threats, advanced to take him. Knapp then shot him in the groin, which 
caused his death in about fifteen minutes. Knapp made his escape into the state of 
New York, where it is believed he now resides. It is stated that Knapp was arrested 
a few years since on account of the above, but was rescued out of the hands of the 
officer by some soldiers of an independent militia company, of which he was a mem- 
ber, who were out on a military review. 



SALISBURY. 



The principal part of the township of Salisbury was sold by the gov- 
ernor and company of the colony of Connecticut, in 1737, at Hartford. 
It had been surveyed and divided into 25 rights in 1732, being at that 
time known by the government only as wild, unlocated land. Three 
of the rights were appropriated to public purposes ; one for the support 
of schools, one for the first settled minister, and one for the support of 
the ministry. The charter of the town was given in 1745. "After it 
was located, and before the charter was given, it was known to the gov- 
ernment by town M. Before this, it was known by no other than the 
Indian names Wcatog and Ousatonic. It took its name from a Mr. 
Salisbury, who lived not far from the center of the town."* 

It appears that about the year 1720, three families came and settled in that part of 
the town called Weatog. These were, one family of Dutchers, one of Whites, and 
one of Van Dozens. White was an Englishman, but had lived with and become 
connected in marriage with the Dutch. The other two were wholly of Dutch origin. 
About the year 1740, there were eleven English and five Dutch families, which were 
settled in different parts of the town. There were four families of Whites in Wea- 
tog; Bebees, not far from the falls; Lambs, at the forge in the hollow; Herveys, in 
the hollow; Newcombs, on the side of the mountain, east of the road that now leads 
from the hollow to Town hill ; Woodworths, at the ore bed; Aliens, on the road from 
the hollow to the meeting house ; and Baylies, at the meeting house. These were the 
English families. The Dutch were, two Dutchers, and one Van Dozen, at Weatog; 
Knickerbackers, at the stone house, on the Cornwall road; Cornelius Knickerbacker, 
at the furnace; and Jacob Van Dozen, between the ponds, in the north part of the town. 

The face of the township, at the period of its first settlement, wore rather an un- 
pleasant aspect. In every fall of the year, it was burnt over, to destroy the old grass 
and other vegetation, and that there might be a fresh and tender crop the ensuing 

* Rev. J. W. Crossman's New Year's discourse, 1803. The facts respecting the first 
settlement of this town were derived from this source. " It is currently reported, and 
by good authority, (says Mr. Crossman,) that this Mr. Salisbury, after moving from 
here, had an unruly servant girl who had run away from him; that he went after her, 
bound her with a rope, and tied hei to his horse, then rode so as to pull her down, and 
drawed her in such a cruel manner that she died in consequence of the abuse. The 
matter was taken up in the state of New York, and he, then in old age, was sentenced 
by the court to be hung when he should be a hundred years old. About four years 
ago, he arrived to this age. A reprieve was granted him for a certain time; and if 
he has not died lately, he is living to this day.'' 



SALISBURY. 487 

year. Fires also were often made to ring deer. These fires were made in a circular 
form, and all the deer included were driven by the fire to one place, where the hunts- 
men could easily kill them. A ring, for this purpose, was made in the northeast part 
of the town, and the fire ran with such rapidity, that an Indian lad was shut within the 
ring, overtaken by the fire, and burnt to death. These burnings, with the ponds, 
mountains and clefts of rocks, made the face of nature appear forbidding to those who 
were not apprised of the excellence of the soil. 

Salisbury is situated in the northwest corner of the state ; bounded 
n. by the towns of Mount Washington and Sheffield in Massachusetts, 
e. by the Housatonic, separating it from Canaan, s. by Sharon, and w. 
by the state of New York. Its average length is 9 miles, and its breadth 
about 6£, comprising an area of about 58 square miles. The face of 
the township is broken, consisting of elevated hills, and deep and exten- 
sive valleys. The valleys are generally limestone, and the hills granite. 
It is one of the best towns for grain in the state. It is also excellent 
land for grazing. 

Salisbury, in addition to its being one of the best agricultural towns 
in the state, is also much celebrated for its very rich and productive 
iron mines. Of these, the one known as the " Old Ore Hill," located 
two miles west of the IVanscopommuc Lake, has been worked since the 
year 1732. At that time, and for years afterwards, the ore was found 
lying near the surface of the earth, and was carried off in considerable 
quantities by those who desired to make use of it. The site of the 
" Old Ore Hill" was owned by one Bissell, who obtained the grant 
several years before the town was incorporated. About the year 1732, 
one Thomas Lamb obtained a grant of fifty acres of land, and erected 
the first forge built in Salisbury. His grant was situated in the south- 
east part of the town, on Salmon River, now called Lime Rock. From 
that period until the present time, the demands upon the "Old Ore 
Hill" have been constant. Within the last ten or twelve years, from 
five to six thousand tons of ore have been dug annually. The ore is 
sold at the mine for $3 a ton. One dollar and twenty five cents of 
this money is paid to the proprietors of the ore bed as a duty. The 
other dollar and seventy five cents belongs to the digger, from whose 
pit the ore is taken. The first furnace erected at Salisbury was built 
about the year 1762, upon the outlet of the Wanscopommuc Lake, two 
miles east of the " Old Ore Hill." It is one of the oldest establish- 
ments in the county, and was erected by Messrs. Samuel and Elisha 
Forbes, Ethan Allen,* and a Mr. Hazeltine. During the Revolu- 
tionary war, cannon were manufactured at this furnace; for government ; 
also cannon balls and bomb shells. f Col. Joshua Porter was at that 
time agent for the state of Connecticut, and superintended the castings. 

The large and inexhaustible quantities of iron ore found in Salisbury, and the 
abundant supply of wood for charcoal, and other materials necessary for smelting the 
ore, together with the superior quality of iron, introduced other manufactures ; and 

* The hero of Ticonderoga. The articles of agreement entered into by these gen- 
tlemen are still extant upon the records of the town. 

t The guns on board the U. S. frigate Constitution, used by Com. Truxton, in the 
capture of the French frigate L'Insurgente, were manufactured at the old furnace in 
Salisbury. The Salisbury iron has been, and is still used extensively in the U. States' 
and private armories. 



438 



SALISBURY 



iron has continued from that time the staple commodity of the town. There are at 
present in Salisbury, 



4 blast furnaces, 

5 forges, with 20 fires, 

2 puddling establishments, 
1 screw shop, 
1 anchor shop, 



2 sythe manufactories, 

1 hoe manufactory, 

2 trip hammers, 
2 cupola or pocket furnaces, for small 

castings. 

From 5 to 600,000 bushels of charcoal are annually consumed at the different estab- 
lishments. The puddling furnaces require from 2 to 3,000 cords of wood annually. 
The number of workmen employed in the different processes of preparing the materi- 
al and manufacturing the iron, amount in all to about 500 men. The furnaces pro- 
duce annually from 2,000 to 2,500 tons of pig iron. The forges and puddling estab- 
lishments annually produce from 1,200 to 1,500 tons of wrought iron, which is used 
for anchors, car axletrees, musket barrels, and various other kinds of drafts. The 
Salisbury iron ore is the brown hematite, and yields about 40 per cent of pig iron. It 
is well known to manufacturers, and stands as fair in the market as any other iron in 
the country. 




Southwest view of the Churches in Salisbury Centei 



The above is a representation of the churches and some other build- 
ings, in that part of Salisbury called " Salisbury Center." The Con- 
gregational church is seen on the right ; the next building eastward, 
with a small cupola, is the academy ; and still farther to the east is seen 
the Episcopal church. The public house seen opposite was construct- 
ed upon the frame -of the old meeting house. This place is 50 miles 
from Hartford, 53 from New Haven, 8 from Sharon, and 34 from Hud- 
son. The principal part of the iron ore obtained in this town, is about 
2£ miles s. w. of this place. There are four churches, viz., 2 Meth- 
odist, 1 Congregational, and 1 Episcopal ; and five post offices, Salis- 
bury Center, Lime Rock, Furnace Village, Falls Village, and Chapin- 
ville. 

The people first met for public worship in a house near where the furnace now is, 
(in Furnace Village,) consisting of one room, only 20 feet by 15. This contained all 
the worshiping congregation in the town. After this, they met in the house of Mr. 
Lee, the first settled minister in the town : here they continued to worship till a meet- 
ing house was erected, about the year 1748. The place on which it stood was given 
by Col. Robert Walker for a meeting house, burying ground and green, upon the con- 



SALISBURY. 489 

dition that the burying; yard he inclosed with a decent fence. In the house where they 
worshiped, there were two walehtowers made, and sentries placed in them on the 
Sabbath, to guard from the Indians. So late in the settlement of the town as this, an 
alarm was made of an Indian invasion. On this alarm, this preparation of defense 
was made. On the same occasion, a fort was built on the west side of the Furnace 
Pond, and another in the southeast part of the town. There were two other forts in 
Weatog, built, however, before this : these two were built in the form of block-house. 
One was the dwelling house of Mr. Dutcher, one of the first settlers, built in 1726, and 
was the first framed house in the town. The first white person born in the town was 
Hartman Van Dozen. The first buried, by the Congregational meeting house, was 
Jehiel Moore. The first buried on Town Hill was a Mr Cory, who was killed at the 
raising of a house, as nearly as can be known, at the same instant the town establish- 
ed that as a public burying ground. 

At the time of the first settlement in the town, there was then an Indian settlement 
at Weatog, consisting of seventy wigwams, all in a cluster. They were friendly and 
hospitable, especially to the whites, and encouraged their settlement. It is unknown 
how long they had made a stand at that place. Doubtless, in their most savage state, 
they had encamped in different places on the river, where they could hunt and fish. 
Long before there was any settlement of white people in the town, a Col. Whiting, 
with his regiment, pursued a band of Indians as far as the northeast part of the town, 
and there, on the banks of the Housatonic, defeated them with a dreadful slaughter. 
They lay at their ease, spoiling and fishing, on both sides of the river. He, becoming 
acquainted with their situation, came upon them unawares, killed some, and put the 
rest to flight. About seventy Indian graves are visible there to this day. In the battle, 
but one of the whites was killed. When Col. Whiting drew near the place of battle, 
he commanded every man to throw away the priming in his gun, and to prime anew. 
All, except one, obeyed. He boldly declared himself willing to venture his life with 
the priming he then had. When they came upon the Indians, he leveled at one, 
snapped, and his gun failed to go off. The Indian instantly clapped up his piece, and 
shot him dead.* 

The following singular occurrences are said to have taken place in 
this town, near the boundary between Connecticut and Massachusetts. 
The relation of these circumstances was obtained from Mr. S. Sage 
and his family, who are still living on the spot, (June, 1S36,) and could 
be corroborated by great numbers of people now living. 

" These occurrences commenced Nov. 8th, 1802, at a clothier's shop : A man and two 
boys were in the shop ; the boys had retired to rest, it being between 10 and 11 o'clock 
at night. A block of wood was thrown through the window ; after that, pieces of hard 
mortar, till the man and boys became alarmed, and went to the house to call Mr. Sage, 
who arose from bed and went to the shop, and could hear the glass break often, but 
could not discover from whence it came, notwithstanding the night was very light. 
He exerted himself to discover the cause without success. It continued constantly till 
day light, and then ceased till the next evening at 8 o'clock, when it commenced again, 
and continued till midnight ; then ceased till the next evening at dusk, and continued 
till some time in the evening, and then ceased. The next day it commenced about an 
hour before sun-down, and continued about an hour, and then it left the shop and be- 
gan at the dwelling house of Mr. Ezekiel Landon, 100 rods north, in the town of Shef- 
field. It continued several hours, and ceased till the next morning : when the family 
were at breakfast it began a^arn, and continued two or three hours, and ceased till 
evening, when it began again and continued several hours, and ceased till the next 
morning, when it began again and continued all the forenoon, and then ceased alto- 
gether. The articles thrown into the shop were pieces of wood, charcoal, stone, but 
principally pieces of hard mortar, such as could not be found in the neighborhood. 
Nothing but stones were thrown into the house of Mr. Landon, the first of which were 
thrown into the door. There were 38 panes of glass broke out of the shop, and 18 out 
of the dwelling houses: in two or three instances persons were hit by the things that 
were thrown. What was remarkable, nothing could be seen coming till the glass 
broke, and whatever passed through, fell directly down on the window still, as if it had 
been put through with a person's lingers, and many pieces of mortar and coal were 

* Dr. Trumbull thinks there must have been some mistake about the name of the 
commanding officer in this expedition. He thinks it must have been Major Talcott 
who pursued and defeated the Indians in this region in 1676. This however is uncer- 
tain. The account given by Mr. Crossman is the one which is followed above. 

62 



490 SHARON. 

thrown through the same hole in the glass in succession. Many hundreds of people 
assembled to witness the scene, among whom were clergymen and other gentlemen, 
but none were able to detect the source of the mischief. The more credulous readily 
believed it to be witchcraft, but it was generally thought to be some slight of hand, ef- 
fected by a combination of individuals, as the windows were broken on different sides 
of the buildings nearly at the same time." 



The following inscriptions were copied from monuments in the yard 

in Salisbury center. 

In memory of the Rev. Jonathan Lee, this stone, the fruit of conjugal affection and 
filial gratitude, is erected. He was born July 4th, A. D. 1718 ; graduated at Yale Col- 
lege, 1742 ; was a settled minister in this town 45 years ; and died Oct. 8th, 1788, in the 
7lst year of his age. To the faithful discharge of the pastoral office he united the pri- 
vate virtues of the husband, the parent and the friend, and expired in the blessed hope 
of that Gospel to which he had freely devoted his life. 

Mv flesh shall slumber in the ground 

Till the last Trumpet's joyful sound, 

Then burst the chains in sweet surprise, 

And in my Savior's image rise. 

The man is gone ! 
Mr. Samuel Moore, the eminent Mathematician, died Feb. 20th, 1810, M. 75. His 
Life and Services ! ! ! these the Monument, this marble but the Tablet. Say then, He 
hv'd to benefit Mankind. Sway'd not by Trifles, But by Science led, as Land-Sur- 
veyor. So like in all things, Like correct, This the best image of the man. 
Our Fathers rest from their Toils. 



SHARON 



The township of Sharon was surveyed by a committee, appointed 
by the General Assembly, in 1732. The committee were Edmund 
Lewis, Esq. Capt. Stephen Noble, and Mr. William Gaylord. The 
sale of the township was ordered in October, 1737, and a committee, 
consisting of Samuel Eels, Esq. Joseph Whiting Esq. and Capt. Isaac 
Dickerman, was appointed to give deeds to the purchasers. 

The opinion of the committee who laid out the town, of the feasi- 
bility and character of the lands in this town, is expressed in the fol- 
lowing words. " In the second township, we find two pieces, which 
may contain 500 acres. There is laid out in it of county grants 400 
acres, and a considerable quantity of rough land, yet we find such a 
quantity of feasible land in it, and not so scattering as in the first town- 
ship, (Salisbury,) as will in our judgment accommodate a sufficient 
number of inhabitants for a town." 

Settlements commenced in the year 1739. The first white man who 
lived in Sharon was one Daniel Jackson. He was originally from New 
Milford, and probably came to this town by the way of the Oblong set- 
tlements in the state of New York. He purchased of the state about 
400 acres of land, which lay in the southwestern part of the town, at a 
place now called Hitchcock's corner, and for which he obtained a patent. 
He stayed in town but a short time, and in February, 1739, sold his 
patent to Garritt Winegar, a Dutchman, and himself removed to Great 
Barrington, Mass. Mr. Winegar built the first grist mill in Sharon. 
The road which the first settlers traveled when they came to Sharon, 



SHARON. 



491 



crossed the Housatonic river at Chiddester's ferry, near the present 
site of Lewis' bridge. 

The following is a list of the first settlers, and the places from whence 
they removed. 



Names. 
Samuel Hutchinson, Esq. 
Nathaniel Skinner, Esq. 
John Sprague, 
John Pardee, 
Thomas Skinner, 
Samuel Calkin, . 
Samuel Gillett, . 
John Gould, 
Niles Coleman, . 
Nathaniel Skinner, jr. 
Stephen Calkin, . 
James Smith, 
Ehenezer Mudge, 
Jabez Crippen, . 
William Goodrich, 



Where from. 
Lebanon. 
Colchester. 
Lebanon. 
Norwalk. 
Colchester. 
Colchester. 
Colchester. 
Hebron. 
Colchester. 
Colchester. 
Hebron. 
Bolton. 
Colchester. 
Colclic -:■ i 
Colchester. 



Names. 
Jonathan Petitt, 
Joseph Park, 
Joseph Halsey, 
Joseph Monroe, 
James Talmadge, 
Daniel Hunt, . 
Thomas Spafford, 
Samuel Comsrock, 
Jonathan Dunham, 
Daniel Hamilton, 
Bartholomew Heath 
Samuel Hurlburt, 
Thomas Heath, 
George "Way, . 
John Gay, 



Where from. 

Stamford. 

Muldletovvn. 

Stamford. 

Norwalk. 

New Haven. 

Lebanon. 

Lebanon. 

Lyme. 

Colchester. 

Lebanon. 

Lebanon. 

Lebanon. 

Lebanon. 

Lyme. 

Litchfield. 



N. B. Mr. Gay was the man who was sen 
for assistance, when Harris was killed by I 



t as an express from Litchfield to Hartford 
ndians in 1721. 




South view of Gov. Smith's house, Sharon. 

The above is a south view of the residence of the Hon. John Cotton 
Smith, about one mile south of the Congregational church. The vil- 
lage of Sharon, which may consist of about 50 or 60 dwelling houses, 
in the vicinity of the churches, is situated principally on one street, on 
the eastern side of a beautiful valley, 16 miles from Litchfield, and 47 
from Hartford. The central street runs about l£ miles from the boun- 
dary line of the state of New York. There is a pleasant and interest- 
ing village at "Hitchcock's corner," situated partly in New Yoik and 
partly in Connecticut, in a beautiful and populous valley, and rich in 
the resources of agricultural wealth. Ellsworth society, in the south 
part of the town, was established in 1800. 



492 s ii a row. 

Sharon is bounded n. by Salisbury, E. by the Housatonic river, sepa- 
rating it from Cornwall, s. by Kent, and w. by the slate of New York. 
Its length is about 9 miles, and its breadth nearly six. The surface and 
soil of the township are strikingly diversified. The eastern part of the 
town abounds with elevated hills, and some mountainous ranges. This 
district affords good grazing; the soil is a gravelly loam, and consider- 
ably stony. The western part of the township, which borders on the 
state of New York, is part of an extensive valley, having a level or un- 
dulating surface, and a rich and fertile soil, and is considered one of the 
best tracts in the state for raising grain. Agriculture is the principal 
business of the inhabitants. Raising of sheep is followed to a consid- 
erable extent. 

There were some Indian settlements in the northwestern part of the 
town, which had been visited by a Moravian missionary. The name 
of the missionary was David Bruce, who died and was buried on the 
Indian lands in Sharon, in the year 1724. His monument is still re- 
maining. The Indians left the town soon after the settlers came on.* 

The town was incorporated in October, 1739. The first town meet- 
ing was holden December 11, 1739. Capt. Dunham was moderator. 
Lieut. Jabez Crippen, Mr. John Sprague, Capt. Jonathan Dunham, 
selectmen. James Smith, constable. George Way, grand juror. Na- 
thaniel Skinner, town clerk. 

The first tavern was kept by Jonathan Dunham. The first minister 
was Peter Pratt, who was ordained on the last Wednesday of April, 
1710: he was dismissed in 1745, for intemperance. The first meeting 
house was built of logs, in 1741. Another meeting house was com- 
menced in 1742, which stood about 25 years. 

The second minister was Rev. John Searle. He was from Sims- 
bury, and was ordained on the first Wednesday of August, 1749. He 
was dismissed in 1754, on account of feeble health. He recovered 
his health, however, and was afterwards settled at Stoneham, Massa- 

* " Considerable numbers o£ the Indians resided in the western and northwestern 
parts of the town, which are watered by two large ponds, and by the Tt n Mil' rircr, 
which touches the western borders of the town. Their principal village was on the 
east side of t lie Indian pond, so called, which is a body of water lying partly in the 
state of New York, and partly in Connecticut. On a romantic and beautiful plain, 
lying between this pond on the west, and the Indian M> tintain, a spur of the Tagh- 
hannuck range, on the east, was a numerous village, where the natives continued to 
reside for many years after the whites came into the town. This tribe was visited by 
the Moravian missionaries, and one of them died and was buried there. He died in 
171!', and a plain stone was placed over his grave, with the following inscription : 

' David Bruce of Edinburgh in Scotland, Minister of The Brethren's church among 
the Indians. Depart'd 174!).' 

" N. B. The grave stone is broken into several fragments, and has long since been 
removed from the grave. By putting the several parts of the stone together, the fore- 
going inscription can be easily detected. 

" The letters are Roman characters, and are become nearly illegible. Tradition 
says very little of the man, and he had probably been in the place but a short time 
when he died. It is hoped that a more suitable monument may soon be erected to the 
memory of this self-denying and elevated missionary. The deed from the Indians, 
by which they sold their lands to Thomas Barnes, was signed by Nequitimaug and 
Bartholomew, two of the principal men of the tribe." — For this and other communica- 
tions respecting the history of Sharon, the author would here express his acknowledg- 
ments to Charles F. Sedgwick, Esq. of Sharon. 



SHARON. 493 

chusetts, and lived to a great age. It is said by the late Dr. Dwight, 
in his Travels, that Mr. Searle and the late Judge Noble of Williams- 
town, Mass., were the first persons who ever went to the top of Sad- 
dle Mountain, the highest mountain in Massachusetts. He is repre- 
sented as a man of mild and unassuming deportment, much given to 
metaphysical investigation, and he left Sharon, carrying with him the 
affectionate regards of his people. 

The third minister was Rev. Cotton Mather Smith, who was settled 
in August, 1755. He was from Suffield, and spent a long life in the 
ministry in Sharon. Probably no minister ever had in a greater degree 
the confidence and affection ef his people, than Mr. Smith. He is 
never spoken of at this day, by those who knew him, but with the 
most unqualified respect and veneration, and the memory of his virtues 
and his excellence is now, at the distance of more than thirty years 
from his death, cherished with the most unfeigned satisfaction. He 
was the father of Hon. J. C. Smith, late governor of this state. 

The Episcopal society was established in 1754. Mr. Ebenezer 
Dibble was the first minister of that order in the town. He was suc- 
ceeded by a Mr. Davies, who died in early life. For a number of years 
the worship of this denomination was suspended, but within a kw 
years they have erected a handsome church, and now maintain regu- 
lar worship. 

A new Congregational meeting house was erected in 1767 ; this was 
used by the society until 1824, when the present brick church was 
erected. In the latter part of July, 1770, Rev. Geo. Whitfield passed 
through this town on a preaching tour. There was considerable oppo- 
sition to his being admitted into the meeting house, and arrangements 
had been made to hold the service in an orchard, still standing near the 
meeting house, in case he should be refused. Mr. Smith however in- 
vited him into the pulpit, though strongly opposed by a considerable 
number of influential men. An immense congregation from this and 
the neighboring towns filled the meeting house to overflowing. His 
text was, " Marvel not that I said unto you," &lc Having announced 
his text, he proceeded to discourse on the doctrine of the new birth 
with astonishing power and eloquence, and the congregation were much 
moved by the power of the truth and spirit of God. The concluding 
words of his discourse were a quotation, with a little variation, from the 
last verse of the 4th chapter of Solomon's Song : " Awake, O north 
wind, and come, thou south ; blow upon this garden, that the spices 
thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into this garden, and eat 
his pleasant fruits." Many of the inhabitants of Sharon followed him 
for several successive days, to hear the word of life from this devoted 
minister of the cross. 

The first preaching in this town by clergymen in the Methodist con- 
nection, was in 1787. In the following year a society was formed. 
Camp meetings were holden in this town in 1805 and 1806. Their 
first meeting house was erected in 1807. In consequence of the in- 
crease of the congregation, a large and beautiful house is now being 
erected by the society. 



494 SHARON. 

Among the early settlers of the town was Jahn Williams, Esq., who spent his life 
here, and who was a man of much respectability and influence in this town and coun- 
ty. He was from Lebanon, and came into the town in 1744. He was educated at 
Yale College, and studied medicine, but it was not known that he ever engaged in pro- 
fessional business. He was soon appointed town clerk, which office he held for more 
than 30 years. He was the first judge of probate for the district of Sharon, and one of 
the judges of the first county court for Litchfield county, of which court he was for a 
number of years the chief judge. So great was the estimation in which he was held 
by his fellow citizens, that he was elected a representative from the town of Sharon 
27 times. He also commanded a regiment of colonial militia. There are those 
now living, who have a distinct recollection of his personal appearance, and of the 
very influential character which he sustained in the affairs of the town. He is repre- 
sented as a man of tall and slender frame, but of great gravity, and of very dignified 
deportment. His word was law, and it was in his presence that evil doers felt terror. 
He died March 14, 1774, in the tiOth year of his age. 

This town took an active part in favor of the country in the Revolu- 
tionary struggle. Mr. Smith, the minister, was an ardent patriot, and 
in his public ministrations there was mingled much of the stirring patri- 
otism of the times.* A large number of men from this town were con- 
stantly on duty; four of whom, to wit, Adonijah Maxim, Daniel Goss, 
Wm. Gray, and Samuel Lewis, were taken prisoners with Ethan Allen, 
in his rash attack on Montreal in 1775, and with him were carried to 
England in the fall of that year. They were brought back to New 
York in the following spring, from which place the prisoners above na- 
med made their escape. Of this number Mr. Maxim is still living. In 
the campaign of 1776, Parson Smith went" with the army to the north 
as chaplain. 

One soldier, Alexander Spencer, went with Colonel Arnold in the expedition to 
Quebec, through the wilderness of Kennebeck, but he died on the march. Charles 
Gillet was killed near the Cedars, in the campaign of 1776, in a skirmish at that place. 
Daniel Wood, Nathaniel Buel, Josiah Coleman, Jabcz Jennings, Asahel Somers, John 
Randall, jr. and Thomas Ackley, were taken prisoners at Fort Washington, of whom 
Wood and Coleman died during their captivity. William Goodrich was killed at 
the battle of Brandywine. Samuel Elmar, jr. was killed at the skirmish of Compo 
bridge, and John Hollister was killed at the battle of Stillwater, Oct. 7, 1777. 

In November, 1784, the town was visited with the small pox, and a large number 
of persons, as many as 30, died in the course of two months. 



EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. 

From the Connecticut Journal. Sharon, Feb. 15, 1781. 
This morning, the wife of William Hendrick Levo, was found dead in the street, a 
sucking child, about three months old, lying dead by her side : being under straitened 
circumstances, she went to town, about three miles, in order to procure something for 



* The approach of a large British army from Canada, under Gen. Burgoyne, and 
the expedition up the North River, under General Vaughan, in 1777, filled the whole 
country with terror and despondency, and created strong fears and doubts as to the 
issue of the controversy: the firmness and confidence of Parson Smith, however, re- 
mained unbroken, and his efforts to revive the drooping spirits of his people were un- 
remitted. In the month of October, he preached a sermon from these words : " Watch- 
man, what of the r.ightl The Watchman saith, the morning cometh." In this dis- 
course he dealt much upon the indications, which the dealings of Providence afforded, 
that a bright anci glorious morning was about to dawn upon along night of defeat and 
disaster. He told the congregation, that he believed they would soon hear of a signal 
victory crowning the arms of America ; and he exhorted them to trust wilh an unsha- 
ken and fearless confidence in that God, who, he believed, would yet crown with suc- 
cess the efforts of the friends of liberty in this country. Before the congregation was 
dismissed, a messenger arrived, with the intelligence of the surrender of Burgoyne's 
army. Parson Smith read the letter, conveying the intelligence, from the pulpit, and 
a flood of joy and gratitude burst from the congregation. 



TORRINGTON. 495 

the comfort of the family, and carried the little infant in her arms. On her return, 
the evening before, she went into a house to warm: the weather being extreme cold, 
she was prevailed to tarry, though very much against her inclination ; being greatly 
exercised for her children she had left at home, the eldest not being above ten years, 
her husband gone to mill, and she was doubtful of his return. In the night she arose, 
unknown to any in the family. She had traveled homewards about three quarters of 
a mile, and was found dead in the manner already described, within about ten rods of 
an house. Some were ready to conclude she had made too free use of strong drink, 
which occasioned her perishing in this manner; but upon a careful enquiry it appears 
to be without foundation, and that her death was occasioned by the extremity of the 
season. 



Last Thursday evening arrived in this town, (Litchfield,) fiom Hartford, Colonel 
Samuel Canfield and Uriah Tracy, Esq. with orders from the General Assembly to 
repair to the town of Sharon, and put a stop to the insurrection that appeared to be 
raising in that town. The same evening they set off, accompanied by the sheriff and 
one of his deputies, and arrived at Sharon about day break, and soon arrested five 
persons, who were supposed to be the principal actors and abettors in the insurrecton. 
* * * * They were conducted to, and safely lodged in our gaol, on Sat- 
urday last, in order for examination. It is hoped the early and spirited exertion of 
our Assembly, will prevent any further disturbance in that town. Much praise is due 
the gentlemen employed on the occasion, for their prudence, humanity, and judicious 
proceedings. May 2lst, 1787. 

The following inscriptions are from monuments in the grave yard 

north of the Congregational church. 

The Rev. Cotton Mather Smith, born in Suffield, Oct. 16th, 1731, ordained in 
Sharon, Aug. 28th, 1755, died Nov. 27th, 1806, in the 76th year of his age, and 52d of 
his ministry. Sound in the faith, in life and conversation as becometh the gospel ; in 
doctrine incorrupt ; in manner forcible and persuasive. A fond husband, a tender 
father, an unvarying friend ; having for more than fifty years earnestly contended for 
the faith once delivered to the saints, he is gone to render his final account to the great 
Captain of his salvation. People of his charge ! he still speaks to you in a voice aw- 
ful as Death, solemn as the grave. Prepare to meet your God. 

In memory of Mrs. Btjla Moulton, the amiable consort of Capt. Wm Moulton, 
who having endeared herself to her friends and acquaintance by an exemplary and 
virtuous life, died a few days after the birth of her only child, July 5th, 1783. 

Could modest worth elude ye grasp of death, 

This virtuous fair had ne'er resign'd her breath. 

Could beauty's grace, or virtue's sacred chaim; 

Could nuptial bliss the cruel foe disarm ; 

Could ye deep anguish of an husband's love, 

Or infant cries, the fatal sting remove; 

She ne'er had wing'd ye long, ye glorious flight 

To seats of bliss, to realms of sparkling light. 



TORRINGTON. 



Torrington was a township which was allotted to the Windsor pro- 
prietors by the Legislature. It was named Torrington at the session 
in May, 1732. " The number of proprietors was one hundred and 
thirty six. At their first meeting in Windsor, Sept. 10th, 1733, they 
voted to make a division of lots in Torrington, and that there should 
be one acre to the pound on the list of each proprietor. A survey of 
the town was completed in 1734. In 1737, the proprietors voted a 
second division of the lands, and to lay out one acre to the pound on 
the list of each proprietor. About five years after, another division 
was voted. 



496 



T <> II R I N G T O N, 



The first settler that moved into the township was Ebenezer Lyman, 
from Durham, with a young family, consisting of three persons only ; 
this was in 1737. Several young men had, however, labored in the 
township the summer previous. Jonathan Coe was the second person 
who moved into the place; he also was from Durham. The principal 
settlers were from Windsor and Durham. The settlement of this town 
was slow. When the first minister, the Rev. Nathaniel Roberts, was 
ordained, in the summer of 1741, there were but fourteen families in 
the town. As this was considered a frontier settlement at this time, a 
fortification was erected not far from the center of the town. It was 
incorporated in 1741. 




Northeast view of WoJcotiville, Torrington. 

Torrington is bounded north by Winchester, west by Goshen, east 
by New Hartford, and south by Litchfield and Harwinton. It is about 
six miles square, containing upwards of 23,000 acres. The surface of 
the town is uneven, with hills and valleys; the soil is mostly fertile, 
and well adapted for grazing. The township is well watered by the 
east and west branches of the Waterbury or Naugatuc river. There 
are within the limits of the town 3 Congregational churches, 1 Baptist, 
and 1 Methodist. There are three post offices, viz. one in the first so- 
ciety, called the Torrington office, one in Torringford, the eastern sec- 
tion of the town, and the other in the village of Wolcottville. 

Wolcottville, the principal village in the town of Torrington, is sit- 
uated in a valley near the southern boundary of the town, at the junc- 
tion of the two branches of the Waterbury or Naugatuc river, 26 miles 
from Hartford. 40 from New Haven, and 17 from the New Haven and 
Northampton canal at Avon. The village consists of about 40 dwelling 
houses, a handsome Congregational church, a three story brick build- 
ing, used as a house of worship by various denominations, (also used 
for an academy,) 4 mercantile stores, 2 taverns, post office, and an ex- 
tensive woolen factory. The engraving shows the appearance of the 



WARREN. WASHINGTON. 497 

village from the Hartford turnpike, looking westward. The Congrega- 
tional church stands at the northern extremity of the village, but owing 
to the limited extent of the engraving, it could not be introduced. The 
brick building used for a house of worship is on the left, over which is 
seen the Litchfield turnpike, passing over the heights westward. The 
woolen factory is the large building with a spire. This factory went 
into operation in 1813. One of the principal owners was the late Oli- 
ver Wolcott, Esq. formerly governor of the state : the village owes its 
rise principally to this establishment. A short distance westward of the 
factory, an establishment for the manufacture of brass is now erecting : 
it is believed to be the only one of the kind at present in the United 
States. 



WARREN. 



Warren was formerly a part of Kent. It was incorporated as a 
town in 1786. It is bounded n. by Cornwall, e. by Litchfield, s. by 
Washington, and w. by Kent. Its average length from north to south 
is five miles, and its average breadth about four miles and a half. 
The township is hilly and mountainous, and its rocks and soil are of a 
granitic character. The agricultural productions are grass and some 
grain. Butter and cheese are made, and beef and pork raised by the 
inhabitants. The town is watered by the Shepaug, a branch of the 
Housatonic. Raumaug pond, a considerable body of water, is situated 
partly in this town, and partly in Washington. 

The population of the town in 1810 was 1,096; inl 830 it was re- 
duced to 9S6. The central part of the town is 8 miles west from 
Litchfield, 38 from Hartford, and 45 from New Haven. 



WASHINGTON. 



Washington was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1779. 
Judea, the first society in this town, was incorporated by the General 
Assembly in 1741 ; before this period it was included in the ecclesias- 
tical society of Woodbury. The first settlement in the limits of Ju- 
dea was made by Joseph Hurlburt, about the year 1734. " The first 
sermon preached in this society was by Mr. Isaac Baldwin, of Litch- 
field, who afterwards relinquished the ministry, and became the first 
clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the county of Litchfield. 
All the inhabitants attended on this occasion, and were accommodated 
in a small room in Mr. Hurlburt's dwelling house. 

The Rev. Reuben Judd, the first minister settled in this society, was 
ordained Sept. 1st, 1742. The ordination was attended in a grove, 
and the first church was formed, consisting of 12 male members, on the 
same day. The same year, the first church was built, by eight propri- 
etors. The second church was raised in 1751. In July, 1800, this 
church was set on fire by an insane man, named David Titus ; but by 

63 



498 WASHINGTON. 

a seasonable discovery and the exertions of the people, the flames were 
extinguished within an hour. In April, 1801, the same building was 
again set on fire by the same man, it being unknown till this time that 
he did the mischief before. The fire was put in the steeple about 
midnight, and had made such progress before it was discovered, that 
no exertions were made to extinguish it. The people were scarcely 
able to preserve the neighboring buildings from destruction. As no 
alarm could be given by the bell, many of the inhabitants, and some 
within half a mile, were ignorant of the disaster till the next morning. 

Washington is about 10 miles from Litchfield, and is 40 miles s. w. 
from Hartford, bounded n. by Warren, w. by New Milford and Kent, 
e. by Litchfield and Bethlem, and s. by Woodbury and Roxbury. Its 
average length from north to south is about 7 miles, and its breadth 
more than 5. A large part of this town is elevated and mountainous. 
Limestone abounds in many of the valleys. Several quarries of mar- 
ble have been worked, from which considerable quantities have been 
raised. Iron ore has been found in various places. Ochre, fuller's 
earth, and white clay, have also been found. The town is watered by 
the Shepaug river, a branch of the Housatonic, which passes through 
the whole length of the town, dividing it into two nearly equal parts. 
The town is divided into two societies, Judea and New Preston. There 
is in Judea, or Washington, as it is called, about two miles southeast 
of the center, a place called " Steep Rock." From the top of this 
eminence, which is easy of access, the beholder has one of the most 
interesting and beautiful prospects in the state. The scene presents 
an area, in the form of an amphitheater, the sides of which are covered 
with a dense forest. The Shepaug river is seen flowing in a beautiful 
circle at the base of the bluff. Within the circle of the river, there 
are several cultivated fields, affording a beautiful landscape to the be- 
holder. 

This town has been the theater of one of the most atrocious murders ever commit- 
ted in New England. The murderer was a man, or rathei fiend, by the name of Bar- 
nett Davenport. From his own confession, it appears that his parentage and early 
education were exactly lilted to produce his wicked life and his tragical end. Untu- 
tored and unrestrained by parental government, he was left to grow up at random. 
In the morning of life, no morality was inculcated upon him, and no sense of religion, 
either by precept or example. On the contrary, he was, from early years unprinci- 
pled, profane, and impious. Before he was nine years old. he was expert in cursing 
and swearing, and an adept in mischief. At 11 years he began to pilfer. At 13 he 
stole money. At 15 he entertained thoughts of murder, and rapidly waxed hardei 
and bolder in wickedness. At 19, he actually murdered a family in cold blood. As 
a friendless wandering stranger, lie was taken into the house of Mr. Caleb Mallory, 
and treated with the utmost kindness, in December, 1 779. Scarcely two months had 
elapsed, before the murder was determined on. The night of Feb. 3d, 1780, was fix- 
ed on to execute the hoi rid purpose. With a heart hard as adamant, he lighted a 
candle, went into the lodging room of his benefactors, and beat them to death with r. 
club. A little grandchild being with its grand parents shared the same fate, and two 
others were left in a sound sleep to perish in the flames. Having kindled afire in 
three of the rooms, he fled, after robbing the house of its most valuable articles. But 
from an accusing conscience, and from the hand of justice, which followed hard 
upon his steps, he was unable to flee. He was taken and executed at Litchfield in the 
May ensuing. 



WATERTOWN. 



499 



WATERTOWN. 

Watertown was formerly a parish in Wateibury, by the name of 
Westbury. It was incorporated as a town in 1780. It is bounded n. 
by Litchfield, e. by the Naugatuc river, separating it from Plymouth, 
w. by Bethlem and Woodbury, and s. by Middlebury and Waterbury. 
It is about 6i miles in length, and 4 in breadth. The township is gen- 
erally uneven, or rather hilly ; but some sections arc level. The pre- 
vailing soil is a dry gravelly fertile loam, and best adapted to grazing, 
but the different grains common to this part of the country are culti- 
vated. Steel's Brook, a sprightly stream, passes through the central 
part of the town, and for a mile below and some distance above the 
center of the town, a chain of rich meadows, though small in extent, 
border the sides of this stream. 







Northeastern view of Watertown, {central part.) 

The above is a northeastern view of the Congregational and Episco- 
pal churches in Watertown. There is a little cluster of houses a kw 
rods south of the churches, which are not seen in the engraving. It is 
stated that there was a very large quantity of heavy timber used in the 
construction of the Congregational church seen in the engraving. The 
builders were obliged to get assistance horn Jive towns, in order to raise 
it. This place is 10 miles s. e. from Litchfield, 30 from Hartford and 
26 from New Haven. The town was first settled about three miles 
north of the churches, and about half a mile west of the Litchfield road. 
The first family or families, were of the name of Guernsey or Garnsey, 
from Milford. It was considered such an undertaking, at that period, 
that prayers were put up for their safe arrival, Stc. This town has 
been noted for the size of its forest trees. It is said that one of the 
first settlers, having no shelter for the night, peeled off the bark of one 
of the trees he had felled, and laid down upon the inside. In the 



500 



WATERTO W N 



morning when ho awoke, he found the bark rolled up so closely that it 
was with some difficulty he could extricate himself. It is also related, 
that one of the first settlers, by the name of Brown, was so straitened 
in his circumstances, that he sold one of his children (a son) to one of 
his neighbors, for a barrel of pork, in order to obtain something for the 
rest of his children to subsist on. Some of the most respectable in- 
habitants of the town are the descendants of this child. Mr. Trumbull, 
the first minister of the town, was ordained at the house of Deacon 
Hickox, about two miles eastward of the churches. The widow Judd, 
now [1837] living, at the age of almost 100 years, was baptized by 
Mr. Trumbull, a few days after his ordination, being the first child bap- 
tized in the place. 




North view of the Trumbull House, Watertown. 

The above is a representation of the house where John Trumbull, 
Esq. the celebrated author of M'Fingal, was born. This house is now 
owned by Mr. Pitcher, and is about half a mile below the Congrega- 
tional church, on the east side of the Waterbury road. A large elm is 
seen in the distance. The business part of the town was formerly near 
this spot. The churches were first erected near the burying ground. 

John Trumbull, the author, was the son of a clergyman of the same name, and born 
April 24th, 1750. He was an only son. and of a delicate and sickly constitution. He 
received the strictest care from his mother, who was a woman of superior education 
for those other day ; young Trumbull gave early manifestations of his poetical turn. 
He was educated at Yale College. In 1771, he with his friend Dr. afterwards Presi- 
dent Dwight, were chosen tutors. In 1773, he was admitted to the bar in Connecticut, 
but soon removed his residence to Boston, where he continued his studies in the oilice 
of John Adams, afterwards President. The Revolutionary struggle was then com- 
mencing, and Trumbull entered with warmth into the controversy. He returned to 
Connecticut, and began practice at the bar in New Haven, in 177-1. In 1775, he 
wrote the first part of his M'Fingal, which was immediately published at Philadel- 
phia, where Congress was then sitting. He removed to Hartford in 1781, where he 
fixed his residence. The poem M'Fingal was completed and published in Hartford, 
in 1782. In 1801, he was appointed judge of the superior court of Connecticut, which 
oiTice he held till 1819. In 1825, he removed to Detroit, to reside with his daughter, 
where he died in 1831. 

" M'Fingal is a burlesque poem, directed against the enemies of American liberty, 
and holding up to particular scorn and contempt, the tories and the British officers, 
naval, military, and civil, in America. It is a merciless satire throughout: whatever 



WINCHESTER. 501 

it touches, it transforms; kings, ministers, lords, bishops, generals, judges, admirals, 
all take their turn, and become in the light or associations in which they are exhibited, 
altertately the objects of our merriment, hatred, or scorn. So wedded is ihe author to 
his vein of satire, that even M'Fingal, the friend of England, and the champion of the 
tories, is made the undisguised scoffer of both them and their cause. The story of 
M'Fingal is this: the hero, a Scotchman and justice of the peace in a town near Bos- 
ton, and who had two gifts by virtue of his birth, " rebellion and the second sight," 
goes to a town meeting, where he and one Honorius make speeches at each other 
through two whole cantos. At the end of the second canto, the town meeting breaks 
up tumultuously; and the people gather round a liberty pole, erected by the mob. 
Here M'Fingal makes a virulent speech of near two hundred lines, at the end of 
which he is pursued, and brought back to the liberty pole, where the constable is 
swung aloft, and M'Fingal tarred and feathered. M'Fingal is set at liberty; he goes 
home, and at night makes a speech to some of his tory friends in his cellar, extending 
through the rest of the poem, leaving only room to tell that the mob broke off his ad- 
dress in the middle by assaulting the house, and M'Fingal escaped to Boston. These 
are all the incidents, and this the whole story of a poem of four cantos, and consisting 
of some thousands of lines."* 

The following inscription is copied from a monument in the yard a 

little distance north of the Trumbull house. 

Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John Trumbull, A. M. Senior Pastor of the 
church of Christ in Westbury; and one of the Fellows of the corporation of Yale 
College, who died Deer. 13th, 1787, in the seventy third year of his age, and the forty 
eighth of his ministry. If distinguished learning, industry and abilities ; the most un- 
affected piety of heart; the firmest attachment to the doctrines of the gospel ; the most 
unblemished moral character; a studious attention and friendship to the people of his 
charge; the most cheerful hospitality to his friends; and ardent charity to the poor; 
which rendered him respectable in life, and in a firm reliance on the merits of the Re- 
deemer, raised his mind above the fear of Death; can render the memory of the de- 
ceased dear to the survivors, and afford a worthy example to posterity ; Go reader and 
imitate his virtues ! Behold the upright man ! His end is Peace. 



WINCHESTER, 



This township was laid out into distinct lots in 175S. It belonged 
to patentees in Hartford, was incorporated as a town in 1771, and the 
year after the Rev. Joshua Knapp was ordained the first minister. 
Winchester is bounded n. by Colebrook, w. by Norfolk and Goshen, 
e. by Barkhamsted, and s. by Torrington. It is 6 miles in length, and 
more than 5 in breadth. "The township is situated in the evergreen 
district of the state," and is hilly and mountainous. Its geological char- 
acter is primitive, the rocks and stones consisting of granite, mica slate, 
and other primitive formations ; the soil is a hard, coarse, gravelly loam. 
The lands afford very good grazing, and the making of butter and cheese 
constitutes the principal agricultural interest in the town. There are 4 
houses of worship, 2 Congregational, 1 Methodist, and 1 Universalist. 

The borough of Clifton, (formerly Winsted, West village,) in the 
town of Winchester, was incorporated in 1832. It is a flourishing vil- 
lage, consisting of about 60 or 70 dwelling houses, and 4 mercantile 
stores. The village is principally built in a narrow valley, on the banks 
of a mill stream, called Mad river, which is a tributary of Farmington 
river. The valley at this place is but barely of sufficient width to ad- 
mit of a street, with buildings on each side, the ground rising immedi- 

* Kettell's Specimens of American Poetry, vol. 1. 



502 



WINCHESTER. 







North vieio of Clifton, Winchester. 



ately on every direction. Westward of the main street in the village, 
a road passes up a steep hill for nearly a quarter of a mile, where, upon 
an elevated plain, is an interesting lake or pond, which is one of the 
largest hodies of water in the state, being 3^ miles in length and three 
fourths of a mile in breadth. The outlet of this lake presents a novel 
scene ; it consists of a small stream, compressed within a narrow chan- 
nel, and literally tossed from rock to rock till it unites with Mad river. 
Most of the manufacturing establishments in the village are situated on 
this outlet, upon which there are some of the best natural sites for hy- 
draulic works in the state. In this village are four large sythe facto- 
ries, 1 machine shop, and 5 forges. The ore to supply these forges is 
brought from Canaan, Kent, and Salisbury. There are two churches 
in the village; 1 for Methodists and 1 for Universalists. The Metho- 
dist church is the building seen in the central part of the engraving, with 
a spire. The Congregational church, in the central part of the town, 
is situated about 4 miles southwest of the village. 

The following shows the appearance of Winsted, (or the East village,) 
as seen from a sandy bluff, directly south of the village. In this place 
is an extensive clock factory, 1 axe factory, owned by an incorporated 
company, and one large woolen factory, and an iron foundery. The 
Congregational church is seen in the central part of the engraving, dis- 
tant from the Methodist church in Clifton about three fourths of a mile. 
The clock and axe factories are situated north of the church, in that 
part of the village called Jl'liitingviUe ; the clock factory is just seen 
in the distance, near the church; the post office is in this village. Win- 
sted is 26 miles from Hartford, 49 from New Haven, 17 from Litch- 
field, 9 from Wolcottville, and 6 from Hitchcocksville. 

Winchester (as has been stated) lies within the " evergreen district," 
so named from the forests of hemlock and other evergreen trees with 



WOODBURY. 



503 




South view of Winsted, Winchester. 

which it abounds. These " Green Woods" present one of the most 
impressive scenes which can be found in an American forest. The 
branches of the trees are thickly covered with a deep green foliage, 
closely interwoven over head, nearly excluding the light of the sun. 
The scene forcibly reminds the contemplative traveler of the words of 
Thomson, in his celebrated hymn : 

" Oh, talk of Him in solitary glooms! 
Where, o'er the rock the scarcely waving pine 
Fills the brown shade with a religious awe." 



WOODBURY. 

" The Legislature, in 1G72, granted liberty to Mr. Sherman, Mr. 
Win. Curtiss, and their associates, to make a plantation at Pomperaug. 
Such a number of settlements had been made there in about two years, 
that the Assembly in May, 1674, enacted that it should be a town by 
the name of Woodbury." 

The tradition is, that the first settlers were sent here by Governor 
Winthrop ; they were directed to follow the Pomperaug river up eight 
miles from its junction with the Housatonic, in order to find the place 
designed for their settlement. When they came to the Pomperaug, 
the stream appearing so small, they concluded they were mistaken in 
the river, and accordingly they proceeded on to the Shepaug, which 
they followed up the distance of eight miles to Roxbury valley. This 
place not answering the description given of Pomperaug, they crossed 
over the wilderness eastward to Woodbury valley, which they found 
was the object of their pursuit. The first house in the town is said to 
have been built about 20 rods west of the South Congregational church. 
The settlers by the name of Judson set themselves down in what is 



504 WOODBURY. 

now called Judson Lane; the Shermans settled about one mile south- 
east of the Episcopal church, now called Middle quarter; the Martins 
located themselves about three fourths of a mile northerly ; the Miners 
placed themselves on the west side of the Pomperaug. The Rev. 
Zachariah Walker* was the first minister in the place. He was also 
the first minister at Jamaica, in Long Island. He probably came from 
England before he was ordained, and it is supposed he preached at Ja- 
maica as a licentiate. It is believed that he removed to Stratford in 
1668, and from thence to Woodbury ,f 

Woodbury is bounded n. by Bethlem, e. by Watertown and Mid- 
dlebury, w. by Roxbury, and s. by Southbury. It is about 7 miles 
long from north to south, and averages nearly six miles in breadth. The 
soil is generally warm and fertile. The central part of the town con- 
sists of a village of 75 or SO houses, and is pleasantly situated in a level 
valley, near the confluence of a number of small streams, which form 
the Pomperaug. It is surrounded by high hills on every side, forming 
a kind of amphitheater. The hill lying immediately east from the main 
street is of considerable elevation, and on its southern descent, fronting 
the west, the rocks descend perpendicularly, presenting a front similar 
to those of the East and West Rocks, near New Haven, though upon 
a much smaller scale. This is true to some extent on the eastern side 
of this range of rocks. They form a very striking feature in the land- 
scape, as you enter the village. There are 4 houses of worship in the 
village, 2 Congregational, 1 Episcopal, and 1 Methodist. Woodbury 
is 25 miles from New Haven, 36 from Hartford, 15 south from Litch- 
field, and 21 from Danbury. There are in the town at present, 1 tin 
ware, 2 nail, and 3 satinet factories. 

The following is a representation of what is called Bethel Rock, be- 
ing it is said a place resorted to for religious meditation and prayer. It 
seems to have been brought into notice by the " Legend of Bethel 
Rock," published in the 1st vol. of the "Legendary," printed in Bos- 
ton in 1828. This place is on the eastern side of the ledge of rocks 
parallel with the main road, as you enter the village from the south. 
It is situated about half a mile eastward from the Episcopal church. 
This rock (or rocks) is perhaps 30 or 40 feet in height, projecting over 
eastward three or four feet, and affording a kind of shelter. About 80 
rods southeast of this place, a few rods eastward of a road, a monument 
stands alone, a representation of which is given on the opposite page. 

* Wood's History of Long Island. 

t The following tradition is preserved respecting the occasion of Mr. Walker's 
coming to Woodbury. At the period of the first settlement of Woodbury, there were 
two licentiates preaching in Stratford, Mr. Walker and Mr. Reed. As there was 
some controversy who should leave and go with the Woodbury settlers, the two licen- 
tiates were requested to deliver a discourse on the day when it was to be decided, Mr. 
Walker in the forenoon, and Mr. Reed in the afternoon. Mr. Walker took for his 
text, " What went ye out into the wilderness for to see a recti shaken with the wind!" 
He enlarged upon the circumstance and propriety of a reed being found in the wil- 
derness, &c. Mr. Reed in the afternoon took for his text, " Your adversary the devil 
walkcth about," &c. In the course of his observations, he stated that the great adver- 
sary of men was a great walker, and instead of remaining with the brethren, ought to 
be kept walking at a distance from them. 



WOODBURY. 



505 



4^4 





Southeast view of Bethel Roch, Woodbury. 



J-:;, 







Grave of Fisher Hartshorn, Woodbury. 

The following is the inscription — " This monument is erected by the 
Society of Hatters, to the memory of their brother, Fisher Hartshorn, 
a native of Charlestown, Mass. who fell a victim to the small pox, and 
was buried in this place, Feb. 1825, aged 21 years. 

In this retired and lonely grave, 

The stranger is at rest ; 
His spirit gone to him who gave, 

To dwell among the blest." 

This young man came from New York. He had been in Woodbury 
but two or three days, when he broke out with the small pox. He was 
removed to an old house, formerly standing near the monument, where 
he died. The civil authority of the town, fearing that the contagion 
might spread, refused to have the body buried in the common burying 
ground, although his brethren, the hatters, offered to do it at midnight. 
With a spirit honorable to themselves, and to the body of which they 
were members, the hatters buried the body of their brother, and raised 
a monument to his memory. 

64 



506 



MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 

Middlesex County is bounded n. by Hartford county, e. by Hart- 
ford and New London counties, s. by Long Island sound, and w. by 
New Haven county. Its mean length from north to south is about 25 
miles, and its breadth nearly 14 miles. The general surface of the 
county is uneven. The soil, adjacent to the Connecticut river, and 
much of the upland, is generally good. The county, being intersected 
by Connecticut river, possesses important commercial and other advan- 
tages. Much ship building is carried on, and formerly the foreign trade 
was quite extensive ; the coasting trade is still very great. Manufac- 
tures are flourishing, particularly in and near Middletown. Great quan- 
tities of free stone are quarried at Chatham ; also considerable quantities 
of granite at Haddam. This business employs a considerable number 
of vessels to transport the stone to various places in the Union. The 
shad fishery in Connecticut river, is an important branch of business. 
Considerable quantities of wood have been exported from this county 
to the New York market. 

This county was incorporated in 1785, previous to which it belonged 
to the counties of Hartford, New London and New Haven ; principally 
to Hartford. 

The following is a list of the several towns in the county, with their 
population in 1830. 
Middletown, . 6,892 Chester, 
Haddam, . . 3,025 
Chatham, . . 3,646 



Durham, . .1,116 
East Haddam, 2,664 
Population of the county in 1820, 22,405; in 1830, 24,845. 



Killingworth, . 2,484 
Saybrook, . . 5,018 



MIDDLETOWN, 



In March, 1650, a committee was appointed to explore the lands in 
Mattabesett, the Indian name for Middletown. This committee re- 
ported that subsistence might be obtained in them for fifteen families. 
In the course of the year a settlement commenced near the Connecti- 
cut, north and south of the Little river. A larger number of families 
than the committee contemplated was soon in the town, who were in- 
vested with town privileges in September of the succeeding year. In 
November, 1653, the place was called Middletown. In 1654, there 
were probably about thirty families; in 1670, the number of families 
was fifty two. The principal planters were from England, Hartford, 
and Wethersfield. The greatest number was from Hartford. There 
was a considerable accession from Rowley, Chelmsford, and Woburn, 
in Massachusetts. 

The township embraces four divisions, viz. Middletown, North soci- 
ety or Upper Middletown, Middlefield and Westfield parishes, the last 
three of which appear to have derived their names from their relation 



MIDDLETOWN. 



507 



to the first. The settlement in the parish of Middlefield began about 
the year 1710: the earliest settlers there were Samuel Allen, Benja- 
min Miller, and Samuel Wetmore, who removed from the first society. 
The first white inhabitant of Westfield was Edward Higby, a native of 
Long Island, who settled about 1712, at the foot of that bluff, which 
from him is called Higby mountain. 

" A portion of the lands in Middletown were given by Sowheag, the great sachem 
of Mattabesett, to John Haynes, for some time governor of Connecticut, probably be- 
fore any settlement was made in the town. On the 24th of January, 1662, Sepunnemo 
and other chiefs, knowing the gift of Sowheag to Mr. Haynes, sold to Samuel Wyllis 
and others, doubtless as agents of the colony or town, all the remaining lands in Mid- 
dletown, including Chatham, extending six miles east of the river, and as far west as 
the Court had granted the bounds of the town; excepting 300 acres, which they re- 
served for the heirs of Sowheag and Mattabesett Indians, to be laid out east of the 
river; and a tract on the west side, previously laid out for Sawsean, to remain for his 
heirs for ever." A reservation also appears to have been in the neighborhood, now 
called Newfield, where the Indians held lands as late as 1713. 

Sowheag was a powerful sachem. His fort or castle was on the high ground in the 
west part of the city of Middletown, still called, from this circumstance, Indian hill, 
about three fourths of a mile northwest of the court house, where he was able, by 
means of his whistle, to call around him many warriors, it is said to the number of 
500, whose wigwams were thick on both sides of the Connecticut eastward. His do- 
minion extended not only over these and other Indians in Middletown and Chatham,' 
but over the Piquag or Wethersfield Indians, whose sagamore, Sequin, was subject to 
him; and as a part of the original township of New Haven was purchased of Mon- 
towese, Sowheag's son, it is probable that his dominion embraced some of the Indians 
in that town. 

Although Sowheag gave lands to Gov. Haynes, he may be considered as a base and 
treacherous man. In April, 1637, some of his Indians aided the Pequots in their in- 
cursion into that town, when they surprised and killed six men. Sowheag entertained 
the murderers, and treated the people of Wethersfield in a haughty and insulting man- 
ner. It seems, however, that the people of Wethersfield had previously offered him 
some provocation. On hearing of their differences, the General Court were disposed 
to forgive him, and appointed a committee to compromise all differences with him. 
But he totally refused to give up the murderers, and continued his outrages against 
the English. The Court of Connecticut, therefore, in August, 1639, determined to 
send one hundred men to Mattabesett, and take the delinquents by force. They noti- 
fied their friends at New Haven of their determination, both that they might receive 
their approbation in an enterprise of such general concern, and that they might make 
the necessary arrangements for defending their own plantations. Gov. Eaton and his 
council viewed it important that the murderers should be brought to justice, but in 
existing circumstances, deemed the measure proposed for doing it inexpedient, and 
dissuaded the Connecticut colony from hostile measures. 



The following list is from the ancient records of the town of Middletown. It is 
entitled, "The names of the proprietors of Middletown, with their estates, taken 
March 22d, 1670." The amount of their estates is omitted. 



Mr. Nathaniel Collins, 
Andrew Warner, 
Thomas Allen, 
George Hubard, 
' Thomas Wetmore, 
John Hall, sen. 
William Cornwell, sen. 
John Cornell, 
Samuel Cornell, 
Isaac Lane, 
William Lucus, 
John Ward, 
Mr. Hamlin, 
Daniell Harris, 
Edward Turner, 
William Cornel, jun. 
Alexander Bow, 



William Harris, 
Thomas Miller, 

' Thomas Stow, 
James Tappin, 
William Ward, 
William Cheney, 
Richard Hall, 
Henery Coall, 

' Mr. Samuel Stow, 
Obadiah Allen, 
Jasper detriments, 
Robert Warner, 
Nathaniel Bacon, 
Anthony Martin, 
David Sage, 
William Bigs, 
Isaac Johnson, 



Samuel Egleston, 
Samuel Collins, 
Joseph Hubard, 

• John Stow, 
John Hall, jun. 
Ensign White, 
Samuel Stocking, 
Thomas Ranny, 
John Warner, 
John Wilcox, - 

- John Hurlbnt, 
Samuel Hall, 
John Savage, 
Thomas Hubbard, 
John Kirby, 
George Durant, 
Edward Foster. 



503 



MIDDLETOWN 



PLAN OF MAIN STREET, MIDDLETOWN, SHOWING THE BUILDINGS AND OCCUPANTS, 
FROM ABOUT 1770 TO 177o. 

(By Joseph Hakkatt, M. 1)., Middletown, Sept 1S3G.) 

Easter Wetmore, Tavern.ZZ^ gg Bassett, Farmer. 

•~^_ Road to Hartford. 



John Bacon, Farmer and Constable g 

Duncan Mackintire, Burlier -a 

Capt. Cotton, Ship Mauler, — jg 

a I. cander ICieth, Rope Mala r.~ !S 



l J liiiip Mortimer's Ropewal/:.— 
i '.ijii. Gleason, slave Dealer. ■ 

Some shan tit s about this corner 

\V a sil I \ GTON 
"( '.il Jabez Hamlin 

Joseph Wright, Farmer.— if 

Jacob <; 1m in. St a ( 'aptain. - o 

iGeo. Starr, Sea Captain and Merchant, gj 

Nathaniel Shalor. to 
Elish.i Brewster, Tavern Keeper... 
Dr. Elliott Elawson. 

COURT" 
Richard Hall, Ship Master'. 



Philip Mortimer, Hope Maker. 



(John Stocken, Iron Works.- 
Joseph King, Silversmith.- 

PA I! SON A (.' e" 
Ely, Tanner and Shoe Maker', 



1 P( mil 1 if /union wood trees. 
.--Sanfi.nl Thompson, Ship Muster. 
[ — Samuel Hull, Merchant. 



■ Wait Plum, Joiner. 

■ — Bezaleel Fisk, Town Clerk.V 
■ — Capt. Ward, Ship Master. 

STB EET. 
■-- Jacob Sr bor, Merchant. 

B lames Cornwall, Farmer. 

(f— -George Phillips, Merchant. 
B — Giles Hall, Ship Master. 
M — Col. Matthew Takott, Merchant $• Farmer. 
STREET. 

-•Samuel Johnson, Shoe Maker. 
-.- Timothy Bigeloic's Tavern." 



Stewart, Farmer. B 

§Jolm\Vard...g 

Ephraim Fenner, Tavern. — » 

Caleb Fuller „ 

Timothy Boardman, Joiner. m 

Zac Paddock, Joiner B 

Elisha Clark, Trader. — ■ 



Road to New Haven. 



jkl_ 



■j-Joseph Southniayd, Farmer. 
S- - Richard Alsop, Merchant j> Ship Owner. 

S T K E E T. 

H-— Capt. Doan, Ship Master. 

■>—- Adino Pomeroy, Tanner. 
B _. Dr. Walker, Slave Dealer. 

m. Capt. Thomas Goodwin. 

IB -William Southmayd, Saddler. 

m .-- Return Meigs, Ratter. 
■J.. Deacon Clark, Apothecary. 

M- — General Parsons. 



Episcopal Church. 



The township of Middletown is bounded north by Wethersfield, west 
by Berlin and Meriden, east by Connecticut river, separating it from 
Chatham, and south by Haddam and Durham. Its length from north 
to south is about nine miles, and it varies in breadth from four to ten 
miles. The surface of the town is strikingly diversified, having the 
Wallingford range of the greenstone mountains on the west, and the 
Strait hills in the southeastern section of the town. The base and 



• First mayor of the city, 1784. f Built by H. Brown, a hatter. t Built by Giles Hall. 

Builtinl678; al erw ird occupied by Wensley Hobby, the first post master in the town : the post 
office was kepi w hei e he 1 sided. 

Mr. FuUei was a schoolmaster, minister, constable, stor.-kr.jiri-. and kept tavern about C months. 
H The office oi town clerk ol Middletown has been in this family 114 years. 
"■ Gen. Washington put up at this tavern. 

The letter a. at the head ot Main street, shows the spot, or very near it, where the first meeting house 
was erected. 0, town house. 



MIDDLETOWN 



509 



loose stones of the Strait hills are granite, which is the prevalent stone 
found southward through the county. In the Upper Houses, north of 
the city, is Prospect hill, so named from the fine view of the surround- 
ing country, particularly of the windings of Connecticut river, of the 
city of Middletown, Chatham, &c. Just below the city, the Connec- 
ticut turns to the eastward. Two miles and a half below Middletown 
city, the river being compressed to 35 rods, passes with considerable 
force between the high and cragged fronts of the Strait hills. Besides 
the Connecticut, the township is watered by two small streams, called 
West and Little rivers. The former passes through Durham, and unites 
with the latter about two miles from the Connecticut, into which the 
waters of these united streams are discharged, between the city and the 
Upper Houses. The soil in this township is favorable both for grain 
and grazing, is well adapted for fruit, and is generally rich and fertile. 




Public Buildings in the central part of Middletown. 



Middletown City was incorporated in 1784. It is a port of entry, 
and the chief town of Middlesex County. It is pleasantly situated, in 
Lat. 41° 35' n. and Lon. 4° 15' e. of Washington, on the west bank 
of Connecticut river, 31 miles above its mouth, 15 miles south of Hart- 
ford, and 24 miles n. e. of New Haven. The population of the city in 
1830 was 2,965 ; including the town, 6,892. The site of the city is 
principally a gentle declivity, having a gradual ascent back from the 
river. It is built mostly upon eight streets ; Main street, which is the 
principal one, runs north and south, and is about a mile in extent; it is 
broad and level, and contains most of the public buildings, stores, &c. 

The above is a southeastern view of five of the public buildings in 
Middletown. The first building seen on the left is the court house, 
erected in 1832. The next building is the Middletown bank, incorpo- 
rated in 1785, with a capital of $ 100,000, which was increased in 1812 
to $500,000. The building with a steeple is the first Congregational 



510 



MIDDLETOWN. 



church; the next building is the custom house, erected in 1835; the 
next building north is the Central Hotel and stage house. There are 
in the city 6 houses for public worship, 2 Congregational, 1 Episcopal, 
1 Methodist, 1 Baptist, and 1 African ; 2 banks, the Middletown bank, 
the Middlesex County bank, and the Wesleyan University. The streets 
and walks are shaded with elms and Linden or lime trees. Much taste 
is displayed by the citizens about their residences, in the collection of 
choice shrubs and plants. Main street is elevated from 45 to 50 feet 
above the level of the river. The rise and fall of tide water is from 18 
to 24 inches. Indian or Sowheag hill, one mile from the river, is 227 
feet above its level. The base of the Wesleyan University Lyceum is 
160 feet above the river, being distant five eighths of a mile. 




Southeastern view of the Wesleyan University, Middletown. 

The Wesleyan University was founded in 1831, and is an institution 
of great promise, under the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. The college buildings are finely situated, on an eminence, 
about half a mile from the river, commanding a view of the town, 
some of the neighboring villages, and a fine prospect of a most fruitful 
surrounding country. The college buildings were originally built for, 
and occupied by, the American Literary, Scientific and Military Aca- 
demy, under the care of Captain Partridge. The Academy having 
failed in its operations, the buildings were vacated, and left on the 
hands of the proprietors. At this time, several annual conferences of 
the Methodist Episcopal church were preparing to establish a college 
under the patronage of said church, and were holding their privilege of 
location in the market, for the purpose of securing a liberal local sub- 
scription. To secure this privilege, the proprietors of the Academy 
offered their buildings as a gratuity, for the use of a college or univer- 
sity for ever, on condition that there should be an additional endowment 
raised, of $40,000. The citizens of Middletown and its vicinity, with 



MIDDLETOWN. 511 

a commendable zeal, by a public grant, and by private subscriptions, 
pledged about $ 1 8,000 of the endowment. These offers, together with 
the other local advantages, fixed the university in its present location. 

The manufactories of the city and town are numerous. Among them 
are three for arms for the United States' service, 1 of broadcloth, 1 of 
cotton, 1 of webbing, combs, he. he. One manufactory makes 1,500 
rifles annually, milling all the parts ; another, 2,000 milled muskets ; 
another, 1,200 guns, which are cast. "One company makes 45,000 
lbs. of cotton yarn ; and another, 30,000 yards of broadcloth." The 
value of articles manufactured in this place yearly is estimated at about 
$700,000. The coasting trade of Middletown is extensive ; its for- 
eign trade considerable. In 1816, more shipping was owned at this 
place, than any town in Connecticut. Vessels for Hartford, and other 
towns on the river, are registered here. The Connecticut is navigable 
to Middletown, for vessels drawing 10 feet of water. Its width oppo- 
site the city, varies from 97 to SO rods. There is a horse-boat ferry 
between this place and Chatham. Two miles above the city is the vil- 
lage of Upper Middletown or Upper Houses, which contains a post office 
and 2 houses for public worship, 1 Baptist and 1 Congregational. Ship 
building has been carried on in this village for more than a century. 



Hugh White, Esq., the first settler of Whitestown, in the state of 
New York, was a citizen of Middletown. He removed from this place 
with his family in 1784, and penetrating beyond the Mohawk Flats, 
which then formed a barrier to the. western settlement, located himself 
at Sedaghquate, now Whitesboro' village, which, till then, had been 
the gloomy abode of wild beasts and savage men. For the first four 
years after the commencement of this settlement, its progress was 
rather slow and discouraging; yet, in 1788, it contained nearly 200 in- 
habitants ; and the same year, the town of German Flats, comprising 
this settlement, was divided, and a new town established, which, in 
honor of this enterprising man, was called " Whitestown." This town- 
ship, with less than 200 inhabitants, comprised then almost all the 
western section of that state, which in 1810, contained 280,319 in- 
habitants; being about 20,000 more than the whole population of Con- 
necticut ; so that Judge White, who survived this period two years, 
lived to see the dreary wilderness, into which he was the first man to 
penetrate, and which once bore his name, contain a greater population 
than his native state. 

As was observed in his obituary notice, " Judge White may justly 
be considered as the patriarch, who first led the children of New Eng- 
land into the wilderness ; and it may be truly said, that he lived to see 
and enjoy the promised land." He died in 1812, aged 80 years.* 

Richard Alsop, a poet of some talent, was a native of this town, and 
resided here during most of his life. He was born in 1759, and was 
bred to the mercantile profession, but devoted himself occasionally to 
letters. His works embrace a variety of subjects. He published vari- 
ous translations from the French and Italian : he left a large number of 



* Pease and Niles's Gazetteer. 



512 MIDDLETOWN. 

unpublished works behind him, one of them a poem of considerable 
length, called the Charms of Fancy. He died at Flatbush, on Long 
Island, Aug. 20, 1815. 

EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. 

Middletown, Nov. 2d, 1765. 
Yesterday being the day prefixed to enslave America, by an unrighteous and op- 
pressive , some of the principal gentlemen of this place, to shew the sense they 

had of their native liberty and freedom, which concluded with that fatal day, met to- 
gether, and agreed that the bell should toll all day with the tongue muffled ; that min- 
ute guns should be discharged, and a pendant hoisted half-staff high, before the town- 
house, which was accordingly done. All the vessels in the harbor had their pendants 
struck half-mast high. The gentlemen being met about noon, drank several loyal 
healths ; and among the rest this was toasted — Liberty, property and no stamps — Con- 
fusion to all enemies of liberty, &c. In the evening, the young people dressed three 
images: two of them were dressed very grand ; one in an arm chair, representing a 
late ignoble lord ; the other, waiting on him, in a private conference, holding up a 
piece of parchment to him, with these words wrote in large characters, " Lei's inslavc 
America with stamps." Behind them on the stage, was a most forlorn image, with a 
fierce countenance, representing the D — 1, with a speared fork in his right hand, and 
a lanthorn in his left — (however cloven his feet were, his d — Z-ship had gloves on his 
hands.) On the forepart of the stage was a large lanthorn, five or six feet high, and 
proportionally large, filled with lighted candles, (the night being dark: and cloudy, 
made a grand appearance,) on the front of which was wrote, in large characters, Lib- 
erty, Property, and no Stamps ; confusion to Lord B g, the D — 1 and Company ; 

God bless King George, Pitt, Conway, Barre, and all Patriots to Liberty. Amen. 
Which was read off loud at every door in the town, streets and lanes, upon which the 
company gave three loud and hearty cheers. * * * The whole scene was over 
about ten o'clock ; when the said images were taken off the stage, and treated with the 

ignominy their o 1 deserved, then burnt, and their ashes were stamped into the 

earth. Not less than eight hundred joined in this affair; and, notwithstanding the 
number of all ranks, the whole was conducted and concluded with the utmost decency 
and good order. It would be amiss to omit, that our young children, that can hardly 
speak, have already learnt this lesson well — Liberty, Property and no Stamps — which 
they sing along the streets. 

Middletown, Nov. I2lh, 1777. 

On my way from the army some time since, I fell in with four well dressed men, two 
of which were in uniform, all with swords and cockades. I supposed they were offi- 
cers of the continental army, going on business like myself. We traveled to the next 
inn, where we stopped for refreshment, and met half a dozen more of these meek sol- 
diers, for, on attending to their discourse, I soon found they were all itinerant traders. 
I fell into conversation with one of them, who informed me he had made five thousand 
pounds since the last year, by trade. I supposed he must have been a large importer 
of merchandize from abroad, but, on inquiry, found he had never risked a shilling 
afloat, but had been buying and selling from state to state, and from town to town ; 
he began with a hogshead of rum, (which he purchased with his tools, and credit, hav- 
ing been formerly an exceeding good house carpenter :) he sold this out by the small 
quantity to the troops at King's bridge last campaign, and by his industry this way had 
acquired the above sum. This information led me to make inquiry into the other cha- 
racters, all of which I found of the same clan. Some had more, some less than my in- 
formant. I arrived soon after at my own farm, and found my hired man had commen- 
ced trader, and quilted my farm. I went after him, and found him, threatened him 
with the loss of his wages, if he did not return to his duly and fulfil his engagement, 
which was for six months : he told me he did not value his wages ; he had made money 
enough to buy my farm, and asked the price : He had been trading in partnership with 
a baker, who had turned merchant, and could not read, and gave him half the profits 
for keeping the accounts. I asked him why he wore a cockade : he said it answered 
for a pass, and he should have a uniform coat as soon as he could find a tailor, which 
were scarce, as they had all turned traders. I pulled out my cockade, and got me a 
plain coat, and now on my way to join my regiment, having completed the business I 
came on. — Mr. Printer, I think it would not be amiss to take up all these new created 
gentry, form them into a regiment, send them (o camp, and let them work at their 
old trades : they would be useful then ; they are a curse now. If you approve of this 
plan, please to communicate it to the public, through the channel of your useful paper. 

A Subaltern in the Continental Army. 

Golden Ball Tavern, Middletown, Sept. 22d, 1777. 



MIDDLETOWN. 513 

Conrant, May 23d, 17i)0. 
" On the morning after the earthquake was observed at Middletown, Conn, a sub- 
stance like honey or butter, covering the grass and earth for a considerable extent." — 
Webster on Pestilence, vol. I. p. 292. 



The ancient burying ground in Middletown was laid out in 1650: 
it is situated in the north part of the city, on the banks of Connecticut 
river. A majestic elm is still standing in the yard, on the spot where 
it stood at the first settlement of Middletown. It measured in 1832, 
at two feet from the ground, 26 feet in circumference: at the height of 
ten feet, it measures 17 feet. It spreads from north to south 110 feet, 
from east to west 95 feet. — The following inscriptions are copied from 
monuments in this yard. 

Here's a cedar tali,, gently wafted o'er 
From Great Britan's Isle to this western shore, 
Near fifty years crossing the ocean wide, 
Yet's anchored in the grave from storm or tide, 
Yet remember the body onely here, 
His blessed sovl fixt in a higher sphere. 

Here lies the body of Giles Hamlin, 'squire, Adged 67 years, who departed this life 
the first day of September, Anno Dom. 1689. 

Here lies interred the body of Mary, the virtuous consort of Jabez Hamlin, Esq. and 
daughter of ye Hon'ble Christopher Christophers, Esq. of New London, who fell asleep 
April ye 3d, A. D. 1736, in ye 22d year of her age. 

epitaph. 
So fair, so young, so innocent, so sweet, 
So ripe a judgment, and so rare a wit, 
Require at least an Age in one to meet: 
In her they met, but long they could not stay, 
'Twas gold too fine to mix without allay. 



In memory of Mrs. Desire, late wife of Mr. Abncr Ely, died Sept. 1st, 1764, aged 48 
years. 

A loving wife, and tender mother, 
Left this base world to enjoy the other. 

Sacred to the memory of Com. Thomas Macdonoiigh, of the TJ. S. Navy. He was 
born in the State of Delaware, Dec. 1783, and died at sea, of pulmonary consumption, 
while on his return from the command of the American squadron in the Mediterra- 
nean, on the 10th of Nov. 1825. He was distinguished in the world as the Hero of 
Lake Champlain ; in the Church of Christ, as a faithful, zealous and consistent Chris- 
tian character; in the community in which he resided when absent from professional 
duty, an amiable, upright and valuable citizen. 

Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Lucy Ann, wife of Com. Thomas Macdonongh, and 
daughter of Nathaniel and Lucy Ann Shaler. The richest gilts of Nature and Grace 
adorned her mind and heart; and at her death, Genius, Friendship and Piety, mourn- 
ed their common loss. She preceded her husband to the realms of glory only a few 
short months, having departed this life Aug. 9th 1825, M. 35. 

They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divi- 
ded. 



To commemorate the piety and virtues of Mrs. Louisa, wife of Lieut Horace Saw- 
yer, U. S. Navy, daughter of Nathaniel and Lucy Ann Shaler, who departed this life 
on Monday, 15th Dec. 1828, aged 24. This stone is erected by her husband. 

Thou art gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee, 
Since God was thy refuge, thy ransom, thy guide ; 
He gave thee, he took thee, and he will restore thee, 
And Death has no sting since the Savior has died. 

65 



514 



HADDAM, 



Here is interred the mortal remains of Doctor John Osborn. — Ask nothing further, 
traveler; nothing better can be said, nor nothing shorter. Ob. 31st May, 1753, M. 
40. Life how short, Eternity how long. 

The monument on which this is engraved had formerly a very pom- 
pous inscription, furnished by the executors. When his son, of the 
same name, came of age, he had the whole effaced, and inserted the 
above. It is to be regretted that this record is lost, as the father, Dr. 
Osborn, besides being a very distinguished physician, was one of the 
first scholars and poets of the day : the following Whaling Song of his 
has obtained some celebrity. 



A WHALING SONG. 



When spring returns with western gales 

Ami gentle breezes sweep 
The ruffling seas, we spread our sails 

To plough the wat'ry deep. 

For killing northern whales prepared, 

Our nimble boats on board, 
With craft and rum, (our chief regard,) 

And good provisions stored. 

Cape Cod, our dearest, native land, 

We leave astern, and lose 
Its sinking cliffs and lessening sands, 

While Zephyr gently blows. 

Bold, hardy men, with blooming age, 

Our sandy shores produce ; 
With monstrous fish they dare engage, 

And dangerous callings choose. 

Now towards the early dawning east 

We speed our course away, 
With eager minds, and joyful hearts, 

To meet the rising day. 

Then as we turn our wondering eyes, 
We view one constant show ; 

Above, around, the circling skies, 
The rolling seas below. 

When eastward, clear of Newfoundland, 

We stem the frozen pole, 
We see the icy islands stand, 

The northern billows roll. 

As to the north we make our way, 

Surprising scenes we find ; 
We lengthen out the tedious day, 

And leave the night behind. 

Now see the northern regions, where 

Eternal winter reigns ; 
One day and night fills up the year, 

And endless cold maintains. 



We view the monsters of the deep, 
Great whales in numerous swarms; 

Ami creatures there, that play and leap, 
Of strange, unusual forms. 

When in our station we are placed, 

And whales around us play, 
We launch our boats into the main, 

And swiftly chase our prey. 

In haste we ply our nimble oars, 

For an assault design'd ; 
The sea beneath us foams and roars, 

And leaves a wake behind. 

A mighty whale we rush upon, 

And in our irons throw : 
She sinks her monstrous body down 

Among the waves below. 

And when she rises out again, 

We soon renew the fight ; 
Thrust our sharp lances in amain, 

And all her rage excite. 

Enraged she makes a mighty bound ; 

Thick foams the whitened sea ; 
The waves in circles rise around, 

And widening roll away. 

She thrashes with her tail around, 
And blows her redd'ning breath ; 

She breaks the air, a deaf 'ning sound, 
While ocean groans beneath. 

From numerous wounds, with crimson flood 

She stains the frothy seas, 
And gasps, and blows her latest blood, 

While quivering life decays. 

With joyful hearts we see her die, 

And on the surface lay ; 
While all with eager haste apply, 

To save our death ful prey. 



HADDAM. 

The lands in this town, with those in East Haddam, were long de- 
nominated the lands at Thirty Mile Island, from the island in Connect- 
icut river, which was calculated to be thirty miles from its mouth. 
The Indian title to the lands was purchased in 1662, for thirty coats, 
which may have been worth one hundred dollars. The deed obtained 
from the Indians, comprehended all the lands from the Straits, six miles 
east and west from the river, down to the lower side of Chester Mea- 
dow ; excepting Thirty Mile Island, and 40 acres at Pattaquonk, (Ches- 
ter,) Twenty Mile Island, and on the adjacent shore eastward, running 



HAD DAM. 515 

up to Salmon River cove. The lands thus purchased were taken up 
by twenty eight young men, mostly from Hartford, Wethersfield and 
Windsor, who in the summer of 1662, or soon after, settled upon them. 
Their names were Ackley, Arnold, Bailey, Brainard, Brooks, Clarke, 
Cone, Gates, Shayler, two Spencers, two Smiths, Ventres, Wells, 
Bates, Butler, Corbe, Dibble, Ganes, Hannison, Jones, Luxford, Pa- 
rents, Piper, Slannard, Webb, and Wiat. These proprietors settled at 
first within the limits of Haddam society. They settled generally on 
the rising ground, back from the town meadow, beginning at the eastern 
point of Walkley hill, and so extending down to the grave yard, where 
some of their cellars are still visible. Bates, Dibble, Ganes, Hannison, 
Jones, Parents, and Ventres, settled on the plain below Mill creek, and 
were called the Lower Plantation. The Indians remained on their res- 
ervations for many years. They had a place of resort, in a deep hollow 
on Haddam Neck, to the northeast, which is still known by the name 
of Indian holloiv, as the brook running through it is by the name of In- 
dian brook. They had no name for the township of Haddam at large, 
but called the northern part of Haddam society Higganompos, which 
the English have changed to Higganum, and now apply it to a stream 
of water, and to the neighborhood about its mouth. The western part 
of this society they called Cockaponset, which the English have chan- 
ged to Pun set. 

Haddam was incorporated as a town in 166S. At this time it be- 
longed to the county of Hartford, and so continued till the formation of 
Middlesex County, in 1785. On account of its central situation, it was 
constituted the semi-seat of justice for this county, and has so contin- 
ued ever since. The town lies on both sides of Connecticut river. 
Haddam society is on the west side of the river, and is by far the lar- 
gest division of the town : it is about 7 miles long, and from 4 to 6 
broad ; bounded n. by Middletown, w. by Durham, and s. by Killing- 
worth and Chester. The part of the town lying on the east side of the 
river is called Haddam Neck, which is a point of land, 4 miles in length, 
4 miles across on the north, and coming to a point at the mouth of Sal- 
mon river. This river bounds Haddam Neck on the east. This town- 
ship is the commencement of the granitic district, extending to the 
mouth of Connecticut river. It is considerably rough and broken, be- 
ing hilly and stony. 

There is but little alluvial soil upon Connecticut river, but the lands 
upon its borders are more smooth, and better adapted for cultivation. 
The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, hard and dry. The forests are 
considerably extensive, and considerable quantities of wood are annu- 
ally sent to market. There are 4 houses of worship in the town, 1 
Congregational, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist on the west side, and 1 Meth- 
odist church on Haddam Neck. 

The following view was taken at a point on a hill upwards of half a 
mile northwest from the court house, a few rods east from the main 
road. Connecticut river is seen on the left; also the mouth of Salmon 
river, and the southern extremity of Haddam Neck, on the east side of 
Connecticut river. East Haddam Landing is faintly seen in the dis- 



516 



ii a r> r> a. m . 




Northwest view of Haddam. 

tance, near the mouth of Salmon river, just rising above the lower ex- 
tremity of a bill on the west side of the river. The court house ap- 
pears nearly in the center of the engraving. It is constructed of gran- 
ite, and was erected in 1S29: it has a small spire attached to it, and 
fronts the south. The large building seen on the right is the Congre- 
gational church ; it is about half a mile, in a western direction, from the 
court house. On the hill which rises in the distance, between and be- 
yond the church and court house, is seen the situation of part of the 
granite quarries, about 100 rods from the river. 

In the limits of this town are several valuable granite quarries, on 
both sides of the river. The first opening was made at Quarry hill, 
on Haddam Neck, about 1762. Since that time several other open- 
ings have been made in this bill. These are from 50 to 70 rods from 
the river. This stone is usually a little below the surface, and is ex- 
hibited in nearly perpendicular strata; it is valuable for building, pav- 
ing, kc. On a hill below Haddam street, several quarries are now im- 
proved, the first of which was opened about 1794 : besides these, there 
are others which are worked in the western part of the town. This 
stone is sold from 10 to 20 cents by the foot, and is carried as far south 
as Savannah and New Orleans. At this time about 150 men are em- 
ployed at the quarries in this town, and from 60 to 70,000 dollars worth 
of stone are annually exported. Ship building is also carried on to some 
extent in this town. A sloop was launched at Higganum Landing in 
1754 ; and for most of the time since, ship building has been a regular 
business at this place. 

The following is a representation of the spot, looking towards the 
north, where that devoted missionary, David Brainerd, first drew his 
breath. The house in which he was born, was probably built 160 or 
170 years since. It was a one story building, 40 by 30 feet, with a 
portico by the south door. After this house was taken down, another 
ivas built on its foundations. This second house was taken down about 



HADDAM. 



517 




Birth-place of David Brainerd, Haddam. 

fifteen years since. The place remained in possession of the Brainerds 
till about the year 1802. The cellar walls still remain. The place is 
seen in the engraving on the right, near by which two persons are 
standing. The house stood a short distance from the river, at an ele- 
vation of perhaps 100 feet from the water, and about 8 or 10 rods from 
the turnpike road, commanding a fine prospect of the river, both to the 
north and south. A spring issues in the orchard near the road, and 
was formerly conducted to the back door of the house. This place is 
half a mile from Higganum Landing, one mile and a half northeast from 
the court house in Haddam, and about 8 miles from Middletown. 

" If the greatness of a character is to be estimated by the object it pursues, the dan- 
ger it braves, the difficulties it encounters, and the purity and energy of its motives, 
David Brainerd is one of the greatest characters that ever appeared in the world. 
Compared with this standard of greatness, what little things are the Alexanders, the 
Caesars, the conquerors ot the whole earth. A nobler object no human or angelic 
mind, could ever propose to itself, than to promote the glory of the great Governor of 
the Universe, in studying and laboring to diffuse purity and happiness among his un- 
holy and miserable creatures." 

His life and diary among the Indians, says a celebrated English divine, " exhibits a 
perfect pattern of the qualities which should distinguish the instructor of rude and 
barbarous tribes; the most invincible patience and self denial, the profoundest humil- 
ity, exquisite prudence, indefatigable industry, and such a devotedness to God, or 
rather such an absorption of the whole soul in zeal for the divine glory, and the sal- 
vation of men, as is scarcely paralleled since the age of the Apostles His con- 
stitutional melancholy, though it must be regarded ns a physical imperfection, imparts 
an additional interest and pathos to the narrative, since we more easily sympathize 
with the emotion of sorrow than of joy. There is a monotony in his feelings, it must 
be acknowledged, and consequently a frequent repetition of the same ideas, which 
will disgust a fastidious or superficial reader, but it is the monotony of sublimity." 

The ancestor of the Brainerds came to this country when a lad, and lived in the 
Wyllis family of Hartford. He afterwards removed to Haddam, and was one of the 
first settlers of the town. David, the missionary, was the third son of Hezekiah Brai- 
nerd, a man of piety and respectability, who for many years represented his native 
town in the General Assembly. The Rev. David Brainerd commenced his labors 
among the Indians in 1743, at a place called Kaunaumeek, southeast from Albany, 



51S CHATHAM. 

near Kinderhook; from this place lie went to the Forks of the Delaware, near the 
line between New York and Pennsylvania. His greatest success was among the In- 
dians at Crosweeksung, near Freehold in New Jersey. Overcome by wearisome 
journeyings and arduous labors, in the work of the ministry, he traveled into New 
England for the benefit of his health. He died at the house of the Rev. Jonathan Ed- 
wards, at Northampton, Mass. Oct. 10th, 1747, in the thirtieth year of his age. 



CHATHAM. 



Chatham belonged to Middletown until October, 1767, at which 
time it was made into a distinct town, and called Chatham, from the 
importance of its ship building, in allusion to Chatham in England. 
The lands in this town, opposite the city of Middletown, were early im- 
proved. " In 1675, 40 rights were laid out between Glastenbury 
and Haddam lines, in lots 2£ miles long, running from what then was 
the eastern boundary of Middletown, towards the river ; the remaining 
12 rights owned in the town being laid out in Moromos. But not- 
withstanding these improvements and divisions of land, only two white 
families are known to have lived in Chatham, until after the com- 
mencement of the last century. James Stancliff had a house on the 
bank of the river, nigh the end of Chatham street, as early as 1690, 
and John Gill had another not far from that time. The next settler 
after these was William Cornwell, who settled back from Chatham 
meadow, about 1703. In 1710 there were only nine or ten families 
within the limits of Chatham parish." A family by the name of Goffe 
settled south of Knowles' Landing, about 1710, who were the first in- 
habitants within the limits of Middle Haddam." 

" The lands in this township were obtained from the Indians in connection with the 
lands in Middletown. But a reservation, laid out partly at Indian hill, and partly a 
little east of Chatham meeting house, was held by them till about 1767 ; when having 
dwindled to a small number, they sold their right and united with the Farmington In- 
dians. These Indians have been sometimes called Wongonks or Wongoms, but the 
reservation was for the heirs of Sowheag and Mattabessett Indians, and they were 
doubtless of the same tribe with the Indians on the west side of the river. A little 
clan inhabited, or frequented, the region about Pocotopogue pond, and had a place of 
rendezvous on the principal island which that incloses. These were also, probably, 
a part of the Mattabessett Indians. At Indian hill was a famous grave yard, where 
monuments with inscriptions were set up over some of the graves, after the English 
settled upon the river. Indian bones have been found also, on the left bank of Tay- 
lor's creek, as it enters the Connecticut." 

The town of Chatham embraces Chatham parish, (formerly East 
Middletown,) the greater part of Middle Haddam parish, the parish of 
East Hampton, and part of the parish of West Chester. The town- 
ship is bounded n. by Glastenbury, w. by Connecticut river, e. by 
Marlborough and Colchester, and s. by East Haddam and Haddam 
Neck, belonging to Haddam. There are 6 churches, 3 Congrega- 
tional, 2 Episcopal, and 1 Methodist. The township is about nine 
miles in length from north to south, and more than 6 in breadth. The 
interior part of the town is rough and broken, consisting of granite hills, 
interspersed with inconsiderable valleys. Upon the Connecticut, there 
is a considerable tract of alluvial. There are very extensive and 
valuable quarries of freestone on the bank of Connecticut river, nearly 



CHATHAM 



519 



opposite the city of Middletown, which are worked and shaped with 
great facility. About 200 workmen are employed, and large quanti- 
ties of this stone are sent to New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charles- 
ton, and other places. 




Southern view of the Episcopal Church, Chatham. 

The above is a southern view of the Episcopal church in Chatham. 
It is constructed of stone from the quarries in the immediate vicinity 
westward. The Episcopal society in Chatham parish was formed 
April 17th, 1789. The Rev. Smith Miles may be considered as the 
first clergyman regularly settled over this society. His monument is 
in the new grave yard, and is of the same form as that of Mr. Ash- 
mun, seen on page 183 of this work : the following is the inscription. 

"Sacred to the memory of Rev. Smith Miles; born in Derby, March lf)th, 1766; 
graduated at Yale College, 1791, and ordained 1795 ; officiated as Rector of the Epis- 
copal church in Chatham 33 years. Died Jan. 31, 1830 : aged 64 years — .They that 
be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to 
righteousness as stars for ever and ever." 



The two principal streams in the township are Salmon river and Pine brook. 
Salmon river crosses the southeastern corner of the town. Pine Brook, a con- 
siderable mill stream, rises in Pocotopogue pond, in the parish of East Hampton, 
and after a course of six or seven miles, unites with Salmon river, three miles from 
its mouth. Pocotopogue pond, or rather ponds, is about nine miles in circumference ; 
it is in the form of two ponds, nearly circular, united by a strait of no considerable 
width or length. Its waters are about ten feet in depth, and surround several islands, 
one of two acres, formerly the favorite resort of the Indians. It is fed by low springs, 
as rains do not alter its height. " Another pond within the bounds of Chatham parish, 
called Job's pond, is about two miles in circumference. This has no outlet. It rises 
and falls as much as fifteen feet, from causes which cannot be easily explained ; for it 
is often the highest in the dry est season of the year, and lowest in the wettest season. 
When it begins to rise, it rises regularly for six or twelve months, and then falls for 
about the same periods. This, in many places, is from 40 to 60 feet deep. 

" On the banks of Connecticut river, half a mile northeast from Middletown harbor, 
are noted and very valuable quarries of freestone. The rocks at the northern and 
principal opening, according to tradition, originally hung shelving over the river. 
They were used for building stone very soon after Middletown was settled. At a 
meeting held in that town in 1665, it was resolved that no one should dig or raise stones 
at the rocks on the east side of the river, but an inhabitant of Middletown, and that 



520 



CHATHAM. 



twelve pence should be paid to the town for every ton of stones taken. As early as 
this, they were transported in vessels to other places. By several subsequent resolves, 
they appear to have been regarded as valuable, and to have been considerably sought. 
Some time after 1726, the town sold this quarry, and it has since passed into several 
hands. For forty years past it has been extensively improved, and the stones to the 
depth of thirty feet from the surface, are now removed over an area of an acre and a 
half, back from the river. The stone in this quarry is covered in some places with 
four or five feet of earth, and in others with four or five feet more of shelly rock. It 
is not perfectly solid, but lies in blocks, eight or ten feet thick, and fifty and sixty 
feet long. The seams and joints facilitate the process of removing these from their 
beds; and when removed, they are reduced by the wedge and chisel to any size or 
form which is wished. In this quarry thirty hands have beeu employed for several 
years, eight months in the year, and from four to six teams. The quantity of stone 
prepared for market, and sold to the inhabitants of this and the neighboring towns, 
and exported to distant parts of the country, has been very great ; and has yielded a 
handsome profit. Fifty rods south of this quarry, an opening was made about 1783, 
now spreading over half an acre. Here the stone is covered with about ten feet of 
earth. In this opening as many as twelve hands have been sometimes employed. 
Vessels come to this and the above quarry, and load from the bank. The bed of stone 
in which these and the smaller openings in the neighborhood have been made is im- 
mense, and lies at different depths from the surface in different places. It has been 
discovered in sinking wells, for half a mile in northern and southern directions, and 
has been opened at a greater distance eastward. Wherever found, the stone possesses 
the same general properties, but varies, like the freestone in Middletown, in the fine- 
ness of its texture."* 

" About 1762, a cobalt mine was opened at the foot of Great hill, under the direction 
of Dr. Stephaunes, a German, and improved for a little time. About 1770, he renewed 
the improvement of it, in connection with two gentlemen by the name of Erkelin and 
Khool, and continued it for two or three years. Many casks of ore were obtained and 
.shipped for Europe. But as all the persons concerned in the mine, laborers as well 
as principals, were foreigners, and as the ore was exported, little was known of its 
character or value. After they left it, it was entirely neglected, till last autumn. 
Since then, several men have been employed in searching for cobalt, in and near the 
former openings, and have been so successful, as to encourage the hope that the mine 
will be permanently improved. The scarcity of this mineral, and its uses in porcelain 
and linen manufactories, render it highly desirable that the contents of this mine 
should be thoroughly explored. — Coal was discovered at Indian hill about thirty years 
ago. But whether it exists there or in any other part of the town in any considerable 
quantities, must be determined by future researches." 



EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS. 

Middletown, June 1th, 1799. 
The Launch. — More of the Wooden Walls of Columbia. — Yesterday at 35 minutes 
and 4 seconds past five P. M. the United States Ship Connecticut was safely deposited 
on the bosom of the majestic stream whence she derives her name. No words can 
convey an adequate idea of the beauty and brilliancy of the scene. Nature, as inclin- 
ed to do honor to the occasion, had furnished one of the most delightful days that the 
vernal season ever witnessed. While old father Connecticut eager to receive his 
beautiful offspring, had swollen his waters by the liquefaction of snows, reserved for 
the occasion, near his source, in order to facilitate her passage to his wave ; and exten- 
ding his liquid arms, welcomed her to his embrace. Flora decked in her richest at- 
tire, smiled gleefully around, and a brilliant concourse of spectators from this and the 
neighboring towns, whose countenance expressed the liveliest sensibility at thus wit- 
nessing the progress of our nautical armament, destined to protect our commerce and 
hurl the thunders of Columbia on her shrinking foes, formed a most magnificent mov- 
ing picture, in addition to the brilliancy of nature which shone around. The prepara- 
tion for the launch was exquisite, and evincive of the consummate skill of the architect 
who superintended the operations of the da\\ and whose orders were given with dig- 
nity and obeyed with punctilious nicety. When the moment arrived at which the 
elegant fabric was to leave her earthly bed never more to return, the anxiety of the 
crowd was witnessed by a solemn silence, awful and profound. The stroke was struck, 
the blocks were removed, when lo ! with the grace and majesty of the divine Cleopatra, 
or the wonder-struck Cydnus, she glided into the arms of her parent river, and as if 
reposing herself to sleep upon a bed of roses, sunk upon his breast. In a moment the 



* Field's Statistical Account of Middlesex County. 



CHESTER. 521 

peal of Federalism burst forth, the pagans of the gazing thousands met the heavens, and 
echo faintly expired on the distant hills. 

While shad and salmon feel the patriot glow, 

And throng in numerous shoals the watery way, 
And sturdy sturgeon from the depths below, 
Leap up her matchless beauty to survey. 

[*** The above Bostonian paragraph, translated in the vernacular tongue, reads 
thus : The United States ship Connecticut, which is to be commanded by Capt. Moses 
Tryon, was yesterday, in the afternoon, safely launched from the ship yard at Chat- 
ham, into Connecticut river.] 



The following are from monuments in the yard on the margin of the 

ground, above one of the quarries. 

Here lyes the body of Samll. Hall, who died February the 22d 17y 2 i Q l ' ie 10th year 
of his age. The first person laid in this yard. 



This monument sacred to the memory of the Rev. Moses Bartlit, for more than 34 
years the faithful Pastor of the Ch h - of Christ in this place, who dec* 1 - Dec 1 '- 27th, 
176G, iEl. 58, is gratefully reared by the people of his charge. He was a sound and 
faithful divine, a Physician of Soul and Body, a sincere Friend, a faithful husband, 
and an affectionate Father. The memory of the just is blessed. 



CHESTER. 



Chester, formerly a parish of that name in Saybrook, was incor- 
porated as a town in 1836. Jonah Dibble, from Haddam, appears to 
have been the first settler in this town : he was a resident" here in 1692 : 
Andrew Warner, from Hadley, came about 1696. "The ancestors of 
the Parkers, Shipmans, Waterhouses and Webbs, from Saybrook par- 
ish, were early settlers in this place. George Willard and Andrew 
Southworth, from the same parish, Joel Canfield and Gideon Leet, 
from Durham, settled in it about 1745. The inhabitants were vested 
with parish privileges in 1740. Their first pastor was the Rev. Jared 
Harrison, who was ordained at the formation of the church in 1742. 

Chester is about 5 miles in length from east to west, and upwards of 
f3 in breadth, bounded n. by Haddam, e. by Connecticut river, s. by 
Saybrook, and w. by Killingworth. The western part of the town is 
rough and hilly. It is estimated that there are in the town about 1,200 
inhabitants, most of whom are in the eastern part. There are 2 churches 
in the town, 1 Congregational and 1 Baptist. 

The following shows the appearance of the Chester Hotel, and some 
other buildings at the head of the cove, about one mile from the river, 
in the central part of Chester, about 17 miles from Middletown, 5 from 
Haddam court house, and 30 from New Haven. The Congregational 
church is about 80 rods north, and the Baptist about half a mile west- 
ward of this place. Several streams run into the cove, affording fine 
sites for manufacturing purposes. L'Hommedieu's auger and hammer 
factory is finely located, and more than 20 hands are employed in this 
business. The Chester Manufacturing Co. manufacture coach springs : 
there is one cast iron foundery ; also, one factory for the manufacture 
of hard ware, recently erected. Messrs. Southworth and Stephens have 

66 



522 



DURHAM, 




Northern view of Chester, {central part.) 

a very extensive saw mill and lumber yard, which furnishes lumber and 
ship plank in large quantities, being it is believed one of the most ex- 
tensive establishments of the kind in the state. The manufacture of 
gimblets, axe helves, (for which there are 2 factories,) inkstands, and 
some other articles, is carried on extensively. The quarrying of stone 
is also an important branch of business in this town, and the inhabitants 
are generally distinguished for their industry and enterprise. 



DURHAM. 

The tract of land comprising Durham was formerly supposed to be 
included in the limits of the neighboring towns, until they were sur- 
veyed, when a tract was found to be left. This was considered small 
for a distinct plantation or town, and does not appear to have been con- 
templated with that view for a long period. The Legislature however 
granted many lots or farms in it to persons who had performed impor- 
tant services to the colony. In this way more than 5,000 acres became 
the property of individuals widely dispersed in the state, before any set- 
tlement was made. 

" In 1698, however, David Seward, from Guilford, moved into the 
town, and some of his neighbors contemplated following him. The next 
spring, therefore, a petition was presented to the Legislature, signed by 
thirty one inhabitants of that town, that there might be a plantation at 
Coginchaug, the Indian name of Durham. This was urged on the 
ground that Coginchaug was so far from other settlements that the peo- 
ple could not go to them for public worship. The petition was granted, 
and soon after a site was selected for a meeting house, on a hill in the 
southern part of the town, which from that circumstance is called Meet- 
ing-house hill to this day. But very few of the petitioners left Guilford, 
and no plantation was immediately formed." 



DURHAM 



523 



In May, 1704, the proprietors of farms at Cogincbaug petitioned the 
Assembly for some act, which would encourage a settlement at that 
place. The Assembly proposed that the proprietors should give up 
one fourth part of their farms, and that the part thus given up, with 
the common lands, should be laid out into lots, for such persons as 
should offer themselves as inhabitants. Their proposal was accepted, 
and settlers came in from various places, who, in May, 1708, were in- 
vested with town privileges. The number of adult male inhabitants, 
at that time, was tliiry four, most of whom were heads of families. As 
early as 1723, John and Nathaniel Sutliff, and probably some others 
from Durham, settled on Haddam quarter. These had the consent of 
the people of Haddam, that they might attend public worship in Dur- 
ham, and in 1773 the quarter was annexed to Durham. 




South view of the Churches in Durham. 

"There is no evidence that the Indians ever dwelt in Durham in 
any considerable numbers, or for long periods ; but they resorted to it 
occasionally for the purposes of hunting. They were, however, re- 
garded as the rightful owners of the soil, and their title was purchased 
by Samuel Wyllys and others, on the 24th of January, 1672, at the 
same time that a purchases was made of the lands in Middletovvn." 

Durham is bounded n. by Middletown, w. by Wallingford, e. by 
Haddam, and s. by Guilford, Madison and Killingworth. It is about 
six miles in length from east to west, and nearly four in width. The 
central part of the town is 20 miles south from Hartford, and 18 north- 
east from New Haven. The prevailing surface of the town is a diver- 
sity of moderate hills and gentle declivities and dales. The eastern 
and western parts are somewhat broken and mountainous. The soil is 
generally fertile and productive, and the inhabitants are mostly em- 
ployed in the cultivation of the earth. 

The above is a view in the central part of Durham. The church seen 
on the left is the new Congregational church, erected in 1835. The 



524 EAST HADDAM. 

church seen standing in the street is the old Congregational church. 
The above drawing was taken September, 1835, a few days before the 
old church was taken down. These churches are a fair specimen of 
the ancient and modern method of building houses of worship. A new 
Methodist church is now erecting (1836) on the east side of the street, 
about opposite the old church seen in the engraving. 

The principal settlement is on the road running north and south, on 
ground moderately elevated, bounded on the east by a considerable 
range of hills, on the west with a large tract of low land, and then a 
tract of higher land, extending to the Wallingford mountains. The 
tract of low land lying westward of the village was called Coginchaug, 
or the long swamp, and from this the name was applied to the township. 
This is generally cleared, and yields a large quantity of coarse grass. 
" This town has been distinguished many years for a very fine breed 
of cattle. Two oxen, presented by some of the inhabitants to General 
Washington, furnished a dinner for all the officers of the American 
army at Valley Forge, and all their servants. These oxen were driven 
almost five hundred miles, through a country nearly exhausted of its 
forage, yet one of them, a steer five years old, weighed two thousand 
two hundred and seventy pounds." 

The following inscriptions are from monuments in the yard north of 

the Conjn - ejrational church. 

In memory of Capt. Israel Camp, a man of unaffected piety; benevolent in his 
temper, and kind and just in his behavior; in private and public offices, useful through 
life; a great lover and promoter of Divine Psalmody. The praises of God and the 
Lamb sweetly employed his breath, till, through painful sickness, his voice expired in 
death, the 6th day of May, 1778, in the 55th year of his age. 

Sacred to the memory of Mr. Elias Camp, who died March 2Gih, 179G, in the 78th 
year of his age. He was a tender husband, and obliging neighbor, and a good citizen ; 
and tho' denied the enjoyment of parental felicity, was blessed with so much of this 
world, not only to perform many deeds of charity, but to make a present of an excel- 
lent bell to the town of Durham, which has greatly promoted its convenience and reg- 
ularity, and ought to be recognized with gratitude on every sound thereof. 



EAST HADDAM 



East Haddam was originally a part of Haddam. It belonged to 
Haddam society till 1700. It was then constituted a distinct society. 
In 1734 it was formed into a distinct town, containing two whole par- 
ishes, viz. East Haddam and Millington, and two thirds of the parish 
of Hadlyme. It does not distinctly appear at what time the first set- 
tlement was made. It has been commonly supposed it began at the 
place Creek Row, about 1685, by the removal of a number of fami- 
lies from Haddam, by the names of Gates, Bates, Brainerd and Cone. 
The tradition is that this was the first spot settled, and that these were 
the first settlers. " But from a document found in the colony records, 
it is certain that Robert Chapman had a dwelling house in East Had- 
dam, north of the Creek Row, in 1674. If the settlement at the Creek 
Row was first, it must have begun about 1670. The first settler in 
Millington was Jonathan Beebe, from New London, who settled by the 
Long Pond about 1704." 



EAST HADDAM. 



525 



East Hadtlam is bounded north by Chatham and Colchester, east 
by Salem, west principally by Connecticut, river, and partly by Sal- 
mon river, dividing it from Haddam Neck, belonging to the town of 
Haddam, and south by Lyme. Its average length from east to west is 
nearly eight miles, and its breadth upwards of six. The face of the 
township is rocky and uneven, but the soil is generally strong and fer- 
tile, and well adapted to grazing. There is considerable timber in the 
town, which is of an excellent quality. There are 6 cotton factories, 2 
of which manufacture cotton twine. This town took an active part in 
the Revolutionary war. About 100 men in the regular line of the con- 
tinental army, and quite a number in the naval service, perished in the 
struggle. The first supplies for the starving army at Valley Forge 
were sent from this town and its vicinity. Muskets were manufactured 
for the Revolutionary army, at the Landing, by Mr. Green. 




West vieio of East Haddam Landing. 



East Haddam Landing, a village of about 30 dwelling houses and 
three or four mercantile stores, is situated a little below the mouth of 
Salmon river, on the banks of the Connecticut, about 16 miles north 
from Saybrook Point. A house was built at this place, and a market 
opened for produce, in 1743, since which most of the trade in the town 
has centered at this spot. Ship building was begun at the Landing be- 
fore the Revolutionary war, and as early as that war at Chapman's fer- 
ry, a little village about three fourths of a mile south of the Landing. 

Immediately back of the houses at the Landing, the hills rise abrupt- 
ly, and in some places precipitously to the east and north. The an- 
nexed view was taken from the opposite bank of the river, and shows 
most of the buildings in the place. The building with four chimnies, 
seen in the lower central part of the engraving, before which a ship 
yard is seen, is the residence of Timothy Green, Esq. the basement 
story of which is the East Haddam bank, incorporated in 1831, with 



526" EAST HADDAM, 

a capital of 75,000 dollars. The building on the extreme left uas the 
residence of the late Gen. Epaphroditus Champion, and now of his 
son, E. Champion, Esq. It is distinguished for its bold and lofty ter- 
races, and is a striking object to travelers passing on the river. The 
post office at this time is kept in a building on the opposite side of the 
street. The steamboat hotel is seen on the extreme right, before 
which is a wharf, at which the steamboats land and receive passengers. 
The spire of the Episcopal church, standing on elevated ground, is seen 
a little distance southeast from the village. The Congregational church 
is situated one mile and a half eastward of the Landing. 

Lord's Mills, or as it is now cailed Leesville, upwards of four miles 
northward of the Landing, is a village containing 18 or 20 dwelling 
houses, and is situated at the head of boat navigation on Salmon river. 
There are in the village 3 mercantile stores, a post office, a saw mill, 
and a cotton factory, containing 1,800 spindles and 40 looms. The 
tide at this place rises about two feet. Sloops of about 60 tons have 
been launched here in time of freshet. There was formerly an oil mill 
in this place, which was erected more than sixty years since, the first it 
is said erected in the state. The scenery about this village is striking 
and beautiful, especially the long vista which is seen on looking down 
Salmon river. 

Mechanicsville is a thriving village, upwards of 3 miles n. e. of the 
Landing. It contains 2 cotton factories, one for manufacturing cotton 
twine, the first of the kind it is said established in the United States ; it 
has been in operation about ten years. The village is situated on 
Mood us river, a branch of Salmon river. It consists of about 30 or 
40 dwelling houses. A Methodist church has been recently erected in 
this place. 

"From time immemorial, East Hacldam has been the seat of uncommon subterra- 
nean noises, called Moodus noises. The Indian name of the town was Mackimoodus, 
which in English is the place of noises; a name given with the utmost propriety to 
the place. The accounts given of the noises and quakings there are very remarka- 
ble. Were it not that the people are accustomed to them, they would occasion great 
alarm. The Rev. Mr. Hosmer, in a letter to Mr. Prince, of Boston, written August 
13th, 1729, gives this account of them: — 'As to the earthquakes, I have something 
considerable and awful to tell you. Earthquakes have been here, (and no where but 
in this precinct, as can be discerned; that is, they seem to have their center, rise and 
origin among us,) as has been observed for more than thirty years. I have been in- 
formed, that in this place, before the English settlements, there were great numbers of 
Indian inhabitants, and that it was a place of extraordinary Indian Pavaws, or in 
short, that it was a place where the Indians drove a prodigious trade at worshipping 
the devil. Also I was informed, that, many years past, an old Indian was asked, 
What was the reason of the noises in this place 1 To which he replied, that the In- 
dian's God was very angry because Englishman's God was come here. 

"Now whether there be any thing diabolical in these things, I know not; but this I 
know, that God Almighty is to be seen and trembled at, in what has been often heard 
among us. Whether it be fire or air distressed in the subterraneous caverns of the 
earth, cannot be known; for there is no eruption, no explosion perceptible, but by 
sounds and tremors, which sometimes are very fearful and dreadful. 1 have myself 
heard eight or ten sounds successively, and imitating small arms, in the space of five 
minutes. I have, I suppose, heard several hundreds of them within twenty years; 
some more, some less terrible. Sometimes we have heard them almost every day, 
and great numbers of them in the space of a year. Oftentimes I have observed them 
to be coming down from the north, imitating slow thunder, until the sound came near 
or right under, and then there seemed to be a breaking, like the noise of a cannon 
shot, or severe thunder, which shakes the houses and all that is in them. They have 



EAST H A D 1) A M , 



527 








South view of Blount Tom and the mouth of Salmon River. 

in a manner ceased since the great earthquake. As I remember, there have been but 
two heard since that time, and those but moderate." 

A worthy gentleman, about six years since, gave the following account of them. 
" The awful noises, of which Mr. Hosmer gave an account, in his historical minutes, 
and concerning which you desire further information, continue to the present time. 
The effects they produce, are various as the intermediate degrees between the roar of 
a cannon and the noise of a pistol. The concussions of the earth, made at the same 
lime, are as much diversified as the sounds in the air. The shock they give to a 
dwelling house, is the same as the falling of logs on the floor. The smaller shocks 
produced no emotions of terror or fear in the minds of the inhabitants. They are 
.spoken of as usual occurrences, and are called Moodus noises. But when they are 
so violent as to be felt in the adjacent towns, they are called earthquakes. During 
my residence here, which has been almost thirty six years, 1 have invariably observed, 
alter some of the most violent of these shocks, that an account has been published in 
the newspapers, of a small shock of an earthquake, at New London and Hartford. 
Nor do I believe, in all that period, there has been any account published of an earth- 
quake in Connecticut, which was not far more violent here than in any other place. 
By recurring to the newspapers, you will find, that an earthquake was noticed on the 
18th May, 1791, about 10 o'clock, P. M. It was perceived as far distant as Boston 
and New York. A few minutes after there was another shock, which was percepti- 
ble at the distance of seventy miles. Here, at that time, the concussion of the earth, 
and the roaring of the atmosphere were most tremendous. Consternation and dread 
filled every house. Many chimnies were untopped and walls thrown down. It was 
a night much to be remembered ; for besides the two shocks which were noticed at a 
distance, during the night there was here a succession of shocks, to the number of 
twenty, perhaps thirty; the effects of which, like all others, decreased in every direc- 
tion, in proportion to the distances. The next day, stones of several tons weight, 
were found removed from their places; and apertures in the earth, and fissures in im- 
movable rocks, ascertained the places where the explosions were made. Since that 
time, the noises and shocks have been less frequent than before; though not a year 
passeth over us, but some of them are perceptible." — Trumbull's Hist. Con. 

Mount Tom is situated at the junction of Moodus with Salmon river. 
The above view was taken from the western side of Connecticut river. 
Mount Tom is the most elevated height seen in the distance, in the 
center of the engraving, at the base of which is seen a flat bottomed 
boat, ascending Salmon river. This mountain seems to be situated 
about the center from which the Moodus noises proceed. The sever- 



528 EAST HADDAM. 

est shocks are felt as far northeast as Boston, and as far southwest as 
New York, and are there noticed as earthquakes. In 1816 and 1817, 
in the night, these noises were more than usually violent. A person 
was on Mount Tom about 15 years since, at the time these noises were 
heard. It appeared to this person as though a stone or large body fell, 
underneath the ground, directly under his feet, and grated down to a 
considerable distance in the depths below. The cause of these noises 
is explained by some to be mineral or chemical combinations, exploding 
at a depth of many thousand feet beneath the surface of the earth. 
The jar is similar to that of exploded gunpowder. 



Upwards of a mile north of the Landing is the ancient burying ground, 
which is situated about 40 rods southeasterly from Salmon river. It 
is now abandoned, and a forest has grown up among the monuments, 
giving the place a very unusual and gloomy aspect. The following is 
copied from a moss-covered tabular monument : 

Under this tomb stone lyeth interr'd the body of the Rev. Stephen Hosmer, the first 
pastor of the First Church of Christ in East Haddam, who departed this life the 18th 
day of June, A. D. 1749, and in the 70th year of his age. And at his right hand lyeth 
Mrs. Sarah Hosmer, his beloved consort, who departed this life Sept. ye 30th, A. D. 
1749, and in the 67th year other age. 

Sweet souls, we leave yon to your rest; 

Enjoy your Jesus and your God, 
Till we from bands of clay releas'd, 
Spring out and climb the shining road. 



The following is from the 7th vol. of the Medical Repository, pub- 
lished in New York, extracted from a letter written in East Haddam. 

" For 10 or 12 years prior to 1797," says the writer, " a disease prevailed among the 
cattle in East Haddam, and in the neighboring places to a great extent, vulgarly call- 
ed a mortification. It was most destructive to cattle under three years; sometimes 
attacking cows over that period, but never oxen. Calves were most generally de- 
stroyed by it in autumn, and yearlings in May and June. Its commencement was indi- 
cated by a sudden listlessness, numbness, and disposition to rest, attended with small 
soft swellings on the legs, shoulders, flank, side, but more usually in the back near the 
kidneys, and it produced death with feeble expressions of pain, within 6, 12 and 24 
hours. Immediately upon death, the carcass became intolerably offensive, so that the 
hide was often left to rot with it; where it was taken off, the swellings were found to 
consist of jelly and black blood. After tanning, the hide was often rotted over the 
swellinss, and holes were made of their size and dimensions." The cause of this dis- 
ease was never satisfactorily ascertained and the remedies which were applied, rarely, 
if ever succeeded.* 

From the Connecticut Gazette, {New London,) Aug. 20, 1790. No. 1397. 

East Haddam, Aug. 5, 1790. 
The town of East Haddam was formerly much noted for earthquakes — from which 
it obtained its ancient Indian name, Moodus; which in their language, it is said, sig- 
nifies a great noise. They were supposed to take their rise near Salmon river, which 
runs between this town and Chatham. Several years ago, they were said to be very 
loud and frequent, and that they shook the earth for several miles around; and it has 
been reported, that the ground has been opened in several places, and trees torn up by 
the roots, and carried to some distance, near the above mentioned river: — and that 
some persons were under fearful apprehensions that the town would sooner or later be 
sunk. Various have been the conjectures concerning the cause of these earthquakes 
or Moodus noises, as they are called. The following account has gained credit with 
many persons. — It is reported, that between 20 and 30 years ago, a transient person 
came to this town, who called himself Doct. Steel, from Great Britain, who having 

* Field's Statist. Hist, of the County of Middlesex. 



KILLINGWORTH. 529 

had information respecting those noises, made critical observation at different times 
and in different places, till at length he dug up two pearls of great value, which he 
called Carbuncles, near Salmon river: — and that he told people the noises would be 
discontinued for many years, as he had taken away their cause; but as he had dis- 
covered others in miniature, they would be again heard in process of time. The best 
evidence of the authenticity of this story is that it has happened agreeably to his pro- 
phecy. The noises did cease for many years, and have again been heard for two or 
three years past, and they increase — three shocks have been felt in a short space, one 
of which according to a late paper, was felt at New London, though it was by the ac- 
count much more considerable in this and the adjacent towns, 



KILLINGWORTH. 



In October, 1663, the legislature of Connecticut resolved that there 
should be a town at Hamtnonnasset, (the Indian name applied to the 
tract now constituting Killingworth,) and the same month twelve plant- 
ers removed into it. These were joined by sixteen others in the course 
of two or three years ; and the town was divided into 30 rights, one 
right being reserved for the first minister that should be settled there, 

mi i • 

and another for the support of the ministry forever. "The plantation 
in this town was called the plantation of Hamtnonnasset, and the plan- 
tation between Guilford and Saybrook, until May, 1667. At that time 
the place was named Kenilworth, after a town in the county of War- 
wick, in England, from which, according to tradition, some of the set- 
tlers at first emigrated. The name is thus spelt in the early records of 
the town and colony, but by corrupt spelling or pronunciation, the pre- 
sent name was finally adopted." 

The township of Killingworth is of an oblong shape, being about 13 
miles in length from north to south, and has a mean breadth of more 
than three miles. It is bounded n. by Durham and Haddam, w. by 
Hamtnonnasset river, dividing it from Madison, e. by Saybrook and 
Chester, and s. by Long Island sound. It comprises two parishes, viz. 
Killingworth, and North Killingworth. The central part of Killing- 
worth is 38 miles southeast from Hartford, 25 miles east from New 
Haven, and 27 west from New London. The southern, and particularly 
the southwestern section of Killingworth parish, is level, having a soil 
formed of loam, sand, and occasionally of gravel, which, by good hus- 
bandry, is rendered very productive. Upon the border of the Sound, 
there are large tracts of alluvial or salt marsh, comprising, as has been 
estimated, 1,000 acres. North Killingworth is rough and stony, and 
the soil better adapted for grazing, than for grain and corn. 

There is one harbor in the town, about a mile below Killingworth 
street, which is safe from winds, and has good anchorage ; but a bar 
lies at its entrance, on which there is only 7 J or 8 feet of water at 
common tides. Ship building was begun in this town about the begin- 
ning of the last century, by Robert Carter; and for many years this 
has been a leading branch of business. Three yards are improved, all 
of which are on Indian river, a small stream which enters the harbor. 
There are, perhaps, five vessels built yearly, upon an average. One of 
upwards 400 tons was built in this place. The village of Killingworth 

67 



530 



KILLING WORTH. 



is quite pleasant. The principal street is a mile and a half in \cnglh 
and six rods wide, and is crossed about midway by Indian river. There 
are, perhaps, about 150 duelling houses within a mile from the Con- 
gregational church, which is situated in the central part of the place: 
there is also in the village a Methodist and Baptist church. Killing- 
worth has a healthful, interesting, and prospective situation, and has 
durin" the summer months, a salubrious sea air. 

" The Indians were very numerous in the southern part of this town, on the banks 
of Hammonnasset and Indian rivers, and about the harbor. Immense masses of 
mouldering shells still point out the places where they dwelt. Most of their lands 
were sold to Col. Fenwick, while he lived at Saybrook. On the 20lh of November, 
1669, Uncas, Sachem of Mohegan, with Joshua his son, sold to the inhabitants of 
Killingworth all the lands in the township, which he had not sold before to George 
Fenwick, Esq. excepting six acres on the big hammock, (which lay on the eastern 
shore of the harbor,) reserving, however, free liberty to hunt in the woods, and fish in 
the rivers, and to use any trees for canoes, and rushes and flags for mats." " The In- 
dians lived in this town in great numbers until 1730 or 40." 




West view of Killingworth, (central part.) 

The above is a view (looking eastward) of the central part of the 
principal street in Killingworth, showing the place where the road 
crosses Indian river, with part of the ship yards upon its banks. The 
Congregational church, seen in the center of the print, stands upon a 
small elevation, called Meeting-house hill : the academy is seen at the 
east end of the church : from this place the observer has a pleasant 
view of the harbor and Sound. The prospect from the steeple is more 
extensive and beautiful. On the right is seen, between the trees and 
opposite the church, a house upwards of an hundred years old. This 
house was the residence of the Rev. Jared Elliot, D. D. who was 
highly distinguished as a divine, physician, and scholar. He was the 
grandson of the celebrated John Elliot of Roxbury, Massachusetts, the 
" Apostle to the Indians." As a divine, Mr. Elliot possessed enlarged 
views of the system of religion contained in the Bible. "In his 
preaching he was plain and familiar, happy in allusions to Scripture, 



KILLINGWORTH. 53 1 

and abounding in original and laconic expressions. As a physician, his 
reputation was such, that he was sometimes called out of the colony. 
In history, natural philosophy, botany and mineralogy, he excelled. 
By several small treatises, he labored to improve the agriculture of his 
country. Some considerations had led him to believe that the black 
sand, which appears originally on the beach of the Sound, might be 
wrought into iron. He made an experiment upon it in the year 1761, 
and succeeded. For this discovery he was honored with a medal, by 
the society instituted in London for the encouragement of arts, manu- 
factures and commerce. He died in 1763, aged seventy eight years." 
A short distance northward of the church seen in the engraving is 
the burying ground. The following inscription is copied from one of 
the monuments. 

" In memory of Doct. Benjamin Gale, who, after a life of usefulness in his profes- 
sion, and a laborious study of the Prophesies, fell asleep May Gth, A. D. 1790, iEt. 75, 

fully expecting to rise again under the Messiah, and to reign with him on earth 

I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the 
earth, and mine eyes shall behold him." 

It appears by this inscription, that Dr. Gale was a believer in the an- 
cient doctrine of Millenarians, a name given to those who believe that 
the second coming of Christ will precede the Millennium, and that there 
will be a literal resurrection of the saints, who will reign with Christ on 
earth a thousand years. This appears to have been the belief of pious 
persons at the time of the first settlement of New England : even as 
late as the great earthquake, many Christians were looking for, and ex- 
pecting the second coming of Christ. 



Abel Buell, an uncommonly ingenious mechanic, was a native of this town : he 
was apprenticed to Ebenezer Chittenden, a gold and silver smith in this place, previ- 
ous to the Revolution. Buell was married at the age of nineteen years, and at the 
age of twenty, altered a five shilling colony note to five pounds. His neighbors had 
suspected that something was going on in his house which was wrong, as a light had 
been seen in his chamber, at unusual hours of the night. He was discovered by some 
person, who, mounting a ladder, looked in at the window, and saw him in the act of 
altering the bills. So ingeniously was it done, that it could only be discovered by 
comparing the stumps of the letters with those left in the book from which all the col- 
ony bills were issued.* Matthew Griswold, the king's attorney, afterwards governor, 
conducted the prosecution against Buell. As it was his first offense, and he otherwise 
sustained a good character, Mr. Griswold granted him every indulgence which he 
could consistently with his duty as a public officer. Buell's punishment appears to 
have consisted of imprisonment, cropping and branding. The tip only of Buell's 
ear was cropped off": it was held on his tongue to keep it warm till it was put on the 
ear again, where it grew on. He was branded on the forehead as high up as possible. 
This was usually done by a hot iron, in the form of a letter designating the crime, 
which was held on the forehead of the criminal till he could say the words 
" God save the king." 

Mr. Buell was at the first imprisoned at Norwich ; afterwards, through the influence 
of his family and friends, he was removed back to Killingworth. About this time he 
constructed a lapidary machine, the first, it is believed, that was used in this country. 
With this he was enabled to make a very curious ring ; a large, beautiful stone being 
set in the center, surrounded by those of a smaller size, all of which were wrought in 
a curious and workmanlike manner. This ring he presented to Mr. Griswold, the 
king's attorney, and through his influence a pardon was obtained. Afterwards, about 

* It appears from this that all the bills which were issued by the colony were origin- 
ally bound together in the form of a book, and were cut out as they were wanted, leav- 
ing some part of the printed matter in the book. 



532 SAYBROOK. 

the year 1770, Mr. Buell removed to New Haven. About this period, Bernard Ro- 
mans was constructing a map of North America. As the coast of Pensacola was but 
little known, Buell was employed by him to make a survey of the coast. "While at 
Pensacola, a person, knowing him to be an ingenious man, enquired if he could break 
the governor's seal, and open a letter and seal it up again, so that it could not be dis- 
covered that the letter had been opened. Mr. Buell was able to show his employer 
that it could be done in a perfect manner. . He was, however, arrested for making the 
attempt, although it is believed that the governor employed the person who came to 
Buell. . He was confined to the island, but he soon found means to escape, by a boat of 
his construction : he was accompanied by a boy who wished to leave the place; they 
put out into the open sea, and were three clays out of sight of land. They however 
were able to get into some of our southern ports, and from thence Buell returned home. 

The map mentioned above was published during the Revolutionary war, and it is 
believed to be the first map engraved and published in this country. In engraving it, 
Mr. Buell was assisted by Mr. Amos Doolittle, of New Haven. During the Revolu- 
tion it was extremely difficult to procure types for printing, except French types. Mr. 
Buell, turning his attention to this subject, soon constructed a type foundery, and em- 
ployed 15 or 20 boys in making types. The building used for the foundery was the 
Sandemanian meeting house, situated in Gregson street. The legislature of the 
state, impressed with a sense of the service he rendered the public, restored to him 
his civil rights. Upon the conclusion of the Revolutionary war, Mr. Buell and some 
others were employed by the state in coining coppers. Mr. Buell constructed all the 
apparatus for this purpose, and to such perfection did he bring it, that he was able to 
coin 120 in a minute. Soon alter, he went to England, for the ostensible purpose of 
procuring copper for coining, but in reality to gain some knowledge of the machinery 
used for the manufacturing of cloths of various kinds. 

While in England, he was passing through a town where they were constructing an 
iron bridge: through some error or defect m the construction, the builders could, not 
make their bridge answer any useful purpose. Such was Mr. Buell's knowledge and 
ingenuity on subjects of this nature, that he was able in a short time to direct them 
how to construct their bridge in a proper manner. So highly were his services con- 
sidered, that he was presented with a hundred guineas. Mr. Buell returned to this 
country, and brought a Scotchman by the name of M'lntosh. They erected a cotton 
factory in Westville, in New Haven, one of the first erected in this country. He 
afterwards removed to Hartford, and from thence to Stockbridge, Mass. where he 
made a profession of religion after he was seventy years of age. About the year 1825, 
he returned to New Haven, where he died in the alms house soon after his return. 



SAYBROOK. 



Saybrook is one of the most ancient towns in the state. Lord Say 
antl Seal, Lord Brook, and other gentlemen of distinction, dissatisfied 
with the civil and religious state of things in England, in the time of 
Charles I, contemplated a removal to America : accordingly, in 1632, 
they procured of Robert, Earl of Warwick, a patent of all that terri- 
tory " which lies west from Narragansett river, a hundred and twenty 
miles on the sea coast ; and from thence in latitude and breadth afore- 
said, to the South Sea." In July, 1635, they appointed John Winthrop, 
son of the governor of Massachusetts, then in England, their agent, to 
build a fort at Connecticut river, and constituted him governor of the 
the place and places adjoining, for the space of one year from his arri- 
val there. On his arrival at Boston in October, he found that a com- 
pany had just gone from Massachusetts and settled upon Connecticut 
river, within the patent held by their lordships. Winthrop however 
dispatched carpenters and workmen to the mouth of the Connecticut, 
who arrived there at or near the close of November, 1 635. Mr. Win- 
throp soon followed them, and superintended their labors during the 
continuance of his commission. 



SAYBROOK. 533 

In the summer of 1639, Col. George Fenwick, one of the patentees, 
arrived from England, and in honor of Lord Say and Seal, and Lord 
Brook, gave the tract about the mouth of the river, the name of Sav- 
brook. From this time, to December, 1644, he superintended and 
governed the inhabitants, and then sold the jurisdiction of Saybrook to 
Connecticut colony ; as his associates had given up their contemplated 
removal to America. The first tax levied by authority of the colony, 
was at the October session, the year after. Soon after this period, the 
settlement began to flourish ; a number of families removing here from 
Hartford and Windsor. The original limits of the town extended upon 
the east side of the river for several miles, and included a part of the 
town of Lyme. The township now comprises three parishes, viz. Say- 
brook, Westbrook, Pautapoug or Essex. Saybrook parish is the south- 
east section of the town. The Indian name tor this place was Patta- 
quasset. West of this is Westbrook parish, which was called by its In- 
dian name Pochaug, until October, 1810. North of these two par- 
ishes is Pautapoug or Essex. 

Saybrook is bounded n. by Chester, w. by Killingworth, e. by Con- 
necticut river, and s. by Long Island sound. It is upwards of 7 miles 
in length from north to south, and averages more than 6 in breadth. 
The greater part of the township is uneven and stony. There are, how- 
ever, some extensive levels, and tracts of rich soil, particularly in the 
vicinity of Saybrook village, in the southern part of the town. Some 
of the hills, near Connecticut river, have good granite quarries. There 
are several small harbors on the Sound, and on Connecticut river, at 
Saybrook point and Pautapoug. The bar at the mouth of the Connec- 
ticut is an impediment to navigation ; vessels of a moderate draught are 
often obliged to pass it with but part of their cargoes. The depth of 
water at the bar, at spring tides, is about twelve feet. An important 
and lucrative trade was formerly carried on from this river, to the West 
Indies, and New London often served in some degree as the port. Say- 
brook harbor is at the mouth of a handsome cove, making up from 
Connecticut river, and extending west almost to Saybrook village. It 
is often resorted to by coasting vessels in bad weather. To this place 
the river is open through the winter, and it is here that vessels are fre- 
quently laid up, and goods deposited, while the river is frozen over 
above. Large quantities of fish are taken in this town. The shad fish- 
eries are numerous, and a source of considerable wealth. Connecticut 
river shad are considered superior to any other in this country. White 
fish are taken upon the shores of the Sound, and are very valuable for 
the purposes of manure. They are afforded at a cheap rate ; the light- 
est soils, enriched by them, have produced forty bushels of rye to the 
acre, and they have an equally advantageous effect upon the growth of 
corn, potatoes, and other productions. 

The borough of Essex, in the town of Saybrook, is situated about 7 
miles from the mouth of Connecticut river. It is a place of considera- 
ble navigation and commercial business, containing about 1,000 inhab- 
itants. Ship building is also carried on to a considerable extent. In 
this place there are three houses of worship, an academy, 8 or 10 mer- 



531 



SAYBROOK 




Northeast view of the Borough of Essex, Saybrook. 

cantile stores, 6 sail makers, and one of the most extensive rope walks 
in the state. Ship building was begun in this place about 1720, by 
Mr. John Tucker. In 1775, the ship Oliver Cromwell, of 24 guns, 
was built at this place, by Mr. Uriah Hayden. The accompanying 
view was taken from the long causeway eastward of the place, and 
shows the appearance of the public buildings, the rope walk, and part 
of the houses on the point. The building on the extreme right is Hill's 
Academy, where are taught the higher branches of education ; that 
standing opposite is the Baptist church. The building near the center 
with a spire is the Episcopal, and the one near by is the Methodist 
church. From these buildings there is an abrupt descent to the strip 
of land between two coves, (called the North and South coves :) this 
point, formerly called Pettipaug Point, extends 100 rods in a south- 
erly direction. Most of the buildings in the borough are on this point. 
During the last war with Great Britain, this place was visited by an ar- 
manent from the British squadron blockading New London, in April, 
1814. Vessels from the squadron had often gone out and cruised in 
the Sound. 

" On the evening following the 7th of April, two or three of these anchored off Say- 
brook bar. They immediately dispatched for Pautapoug, two launches, each carry- 
ing 9 or 12 pound carronades and fifty or sixty men each, and four barges, supposed 
to have 25 men each, under the command of Lieut. Coote, completely prepared with 
torches, combustibles, &c. for the enterprise which they accomplished. Before 11 
o'clock they were discovered entering the mouth of the river, by the keeper of the 
light house, and before 12, many of the men landed at Saybrook point, and went into 
the old fort, where no force was then stationed to resist them. The distance from 
this place to Pautapoug point is between five and six miles; but being retarded by a 
strong northerly wind and a freshet, they did not arrive there till about four o'clock, 
Friday morning, the 8th of April. The people knew nothing of their being in the 
river more than 30 minutes before they arrived, and took possession of the point ; and 
some had no knowledge of it, before the work of conllagration was begun. Picket 
guards searched houses and stores for arms and ammunition, while the men generally 
were employed in setting fire to the vessels, lying in the river, at the point, and on the 
stocks along the North and South coves. About 10 o'clock, they called in their guards 
and proceeded down the river, with a brig, schooner, and two sloops. But the wind 
shifting from the northeast to the southeast, they set fire to all these, excepting the 



SAYBROOK. olib 

schooner, which they anchored about a mile and a quarter below the point, where 
they remained till evening. Twenty two vessels of various descriptions were destroy- 
ed, and a loss occasioned, computed at 100,000 dollars, 60,000 of which fell on the in- 
habitants of Pautapoug. 

"When the enemy first landed, the people living on the point and in the vicinity 
were in no situation to oppose them. In the course of the day, some forces collected 
from Pautapoug and other places west of the river; while on the east side, some col- 
lected from Lyme and New London ; but the work of destruction was finished and 
the British were more than a mile down the river. The plan adopted was to oppose 
them on their way out, for which stations were taken on both sides. But the enemy 
were detained as has been stated. About sunset a field piece was planted on a point 
near their resting place, which, by several well directed shots, compelled them to leave 
the schooner. One of these shots killed two men and wounded a third. When night 
came on, it was excessively dark, and no object could be seen, and they proceeded si- 
lently down the river, and arrived at their vessels about 10 o'clock in the evening. 
Many shots were directed against them on the supposition of their being on their way, 
some of which struck their boats, and probably did some execution."* 

The village of WcstbrooJc is about four miles west from Saybrook 
village. The settlement of this place commenced as early as 1664. It 
was incorporated as a society in 1724. The Rev. William Wortbing- 
ton was their first pastor ; he deceased in 1756, and was succeeded by 
the Rev. John Devotion. Ship building was commenced in 1740, on 
the Pochaug river, and is still a leading branch of business in the place. 
There are at present about 15 vessels owned here, principally coasters. 
It is estimated that there are about 1,200 inhabitants in the limits of the 
society, and two churches, 1 Congregational and 1 Methodist. Mr. 
David Bus knell, the inventor of the "American Turtle," a machine 
for destroying British shipping, during the Revolutionary war, was a 
native of this place. 

There were formerly in the town four Indian settlements ; one at the 
mouth of Oyster river; one on Obed's hammock, near the mouth of 
Pochaug river ; a third was at Ayres's point, and so northward to Pau- 
tapoug point ; the fourth was on or near the Indian reservation in Ches- 
ter. The Indians in this town and vicinity were subject, some years 
before the English settled on Connecticut river, to the Pequots. In 
1634, some of their confederates murdered Capt. Stone and Capt. Nor- 
ton, and their whole crew, consisting of eight men, half a mile above 
Saybrook point, plundered the vessel, then burned her down to the wa- 
ter's edge, and sunk her.f In 1635, they received and protected in- 
dividuals who had been concerned in the murder of Mr. Oldham, at 
Block Island. 

" But notwithstanding these recent and abominable transactions, they consented to 
hold a treaty with Mr. Winthrop and his men, and gave to the English their right to 
Connecticut river and the adjacent country. Thus they excited a hope of peace and 
safety. But a few months, according to the testimony of Dr. Trumbull and various 
other writers, disclosed their treachery and wickedness. For in the beginning of Oc- 
tober, 1636, as five men from Saybrook fort went to get hay at Calves' island, four 
miles north, near Lyme shore, some Pequots who had concealed themselves in the 
high grass surprised them, caught one, a godly young man, by the name of Butter- 
field, and tortured him to death : from which circumstance the place was named But- 
terfield's meadow. The other four escaped to their boat, but one of them was wounded 
with 5 arrows. — A few days after this, Joseph Tilly, master of a bark, came to anchor 

* Field's Statistical Account. 

t As late as 1785, some of the timber and plank of this vessel were found, together 
with a quantity of bar iron, and a few other articles. — Field's Slat. Acct. Saybrook. 



536 SAYBROOK. 

nearly opposite Calves' island, and taking one man with him, went on shore for the 
purpose of fowling. As soon as he had discharged his piece, a large number of Pe- 
quots rising from their concealment, took him and killed his companion ; and then 
gratified their malice by putting him to torture. They first cut off his hands and then 
his feet ; after which he lived three days. But as nothing which they inflicted upon 
him excited a groan, they pronounced him a stout man. The place where he was 
taken and tortured has since been called Tilly's Point. — Within a fortnight of these 
transactions, the following calamity was experienced. A house had been erected 
about two miles from the fort, (at Cornfield point, as it is supposed,) and six men de- 
tached from the garrison to keep it. As three of them were fowling near the house, (a 
practice which the lieutenant had strictly forbid,) they were suddenly attacked by 
nearly one hundred Pequots : two were taken, and one fought his way through them 
sword in hand, wounded with two arrows, but not mortally. — The following winter 
the fort was little belter than in a state of constant siege. None could go from it 
without hazard ; and the cattle, stacks of hay, and almost every thing belonging to it 
at any distance, were destroyed. When the spring arrived, the enemy were still more 
troublesome. As Lieut. Gardiner was going out in the month of March, with ten or 
twelve men, to burn the marshes, the enemy rose upon them, just as they had turned 
south from the palisades, killed three of the men and wounded a fourth, so that he 
died in the fort the next day. The Lieutenant was slightly wounded, but was able 
with most of his men to retreat. Encouraged by this success, the Indians followed 
them, surrounded the fort, and challenged them to fight; mocking them in the groans 
and pious invocations of their friends whom they had tortured ; till a dexterous use 
of the guns, loaded with grape shot, compelled them to retire. Alter this, Indians in 
several canoes beset a shallop, having three men on board, as it was sailing down the 
river. They shot one of them through the head with an arrow, who fell overboard. 
The other two they took and ripped them from the bottom of their bellies to their 
throats, cleft them down their backs, and then suspended them on trees by the side of 
the river that the English might behold these objects of their vengeance. One of the 
Indians concerned in these barbarities was Nepaupuck, a famous Pequot captain, who 
for this and other murders was beheaded at New Haven, in 1G39, and whose head was 
set upon a pole in the market place.'* 



L 



^ml-M) l i ! 




South view of Lady Fenwick's Monument on Saybrook Point. 

The above is a representation of the monument of the wife of Col. 
Fenwick, and the remains of Saybrook fort, with Connecticut river in 
the distance to the north of the fort, and a few buildings at the eastern 
extremity of the landing. Col. Fenwick's wife was Lady Anne Bot- 
cler or Butler, who, being the daughter of an English nobleman, re- 
tained her maiden name: she died in 1648, and her husband returned 

* Field's Statistical Account. 



SAYBROOK. 537 

to England and was appointed one of the judges for the trial of Charles 
I. Her monument is about 30 or 40 rods southwest from the remains 
of the fort, and perhaps five or six rods from the river, on a piece of 
elevated ground, called "tomb hill," probably so named from the 
circumstance of this monument being placed upon its summit. It is 
said that Col. Fenwick made provision to have it kept in perpetual re- 
pair, it being one of the considerations for which he gave a deed to a 
large tract of land on the opposite side of the river. If this be a fact, 
the condition of the deed has been but illy complied with, and it is to 
be regretted that no more care has been taken to preserve the memo- 
rial of this respectable lady, it being, it is believed, the oldest monu- 
ment for a female in the state. It is of coarse sandstone, and no in- 
scription has been seen upon it within the recollection of the oldest in- 
habitants of the place. There is, however, something of the resem- 
blance of A. B. on the end of one of the upright stones on the western 
side, but whether formed by the hand of man, or by the wear of time, 
it is difficult to ascertain. The monument of this lady stands on a 
bleak and exposed situation : 

" The dark brown years" have passed over it ; she sleeps alone far from the land 
of her fathers, " at the noise of the sounding surge ! Her tomb is seen by the mariner 
as he passes by on the dark rolling wave." 

Saybrook fort, however it may be regarded at the present time, was 
formerly a post of great importance. A garrison was constantly kept 
here for a very long period, and the fort was usually well manned in 
seasons of war and danger, as it commanded the entrance of Connecti- 
cut river. It was first built of wood, in front or on the point of Tomb 
hill. But as this in some unaccountable manner took fire in the winter 
of 1647, and was consumed, with some adjoining buildings, the fort 
was rebuilt soon after of more substantial materials, and placed a few 
rods further north, on what was called New-fort hill, the place on which 
the remains are now standing. A few clays after the first fort was be- 
gun, in 1635, a Dutch vessel arrived from New Netherlands, with a 
view of taking possession of the mouth of the river and of laying the 
foundation of a settlement. The English having mounted two pieces 
of cannon, prevented their landing, and defeated the enterprise. This 
fort, also, about the time of the Pequot war, saved the inhabitants of 
Saybrook from being cut off by the Indians. 

" In the year 1675, it was discovered that Major Andross was about to make a 
hostile invasion of the colony, and to demand a surrender of its most important posts 
to the government of the Duke of York. Detachments from the militia were there- 
fore sent, with the utmost expedition, to New London and Saybrook. Captain Thomas 
Bull, of Hartford, commanded the party sent to Saybrook. 

" About the 8th or 9th of July, the people of that town were surprised by the appear- 
ance of Major Andross, with an armed force, in the Sound, making directly for the 
fort. They had received no intelligence of the affair, nor instructions from the gov- 
ernor and council how to conduct themselves upon such an emergency. They were, 
at first, undetermined whether to make any resistance or not ; but they did not hesitate 
long. As the danger approached and their suprise abated, the martial spirit began 
to enkindle ; the fort was manned, and the militia of the town drawn out for its de- 
fense. At this critical juncture, Captain Bull with his company arrived, and the most 
vigorous exertions were made for the defense of the fort and town. On the 11th, 
Major Andross with several armed sloops drew up before the fort, hoisted the king's 
flag on board, and demanded a surrender of the fortress and town. Captain Bull 

68 



538 SAYBROOK. 

raised his majesty's colors in the fort, and arranged his men in the best manner. They 
appeared with a good countenance, determined and eager for action. The Major did 
not like to fire on the king's colors, and perceiving that should he attempt to reduce 
the town by force, it would be a bloody affair, judged it expedient not to tire upon the 
troops. He nevertheless lay all that day, and part of the next, off against the fort. 
The critical state of the colony had occasioned the meeting of the Assembly, at Hart- 
ford, on the 9th of July. They immediately proceeded to draw up a declaration, or 
protest. * * * * Which was sent by an express to Saybrook, with 
instructions to Captain Bull, to propose to Major Andross the reference of the affair 
in dispute to commissioners, to meet in any place in this colony which he should 
choose. Early in the morning of the 12th of July, the Major desired that he might 
have admittance on shore, and an interview with the ministers and chief officers. He 
probably imagined, that if he could read the duke's patent and his own commission, 
it would make an impression upon the people, and that he should gain that by art, 
which he could not by force of arms. He was allowed to come on shore with his suit. 
Meanwhile, the express arrived with the protest and instructions from the Assembly. 
Captain Bull and his officers, with the officers and gentlemen of the town, met the 
Major, at his landing, and acquainted him that they hnd, at that instant, received 
instructions to tender him a treaty, and to refer the whole matter in ihe contro- 
versy to commissioners, capable of determining it according to law and justice. 
The Major rejected the proposal, and forthwith commanded, in his majesty's name, 
that the duke's patent, and the commission which he had received from his royal high- 
ness, should be read. Captain Bull commanded him, in his majesty's name, to forbear 
reading. When his clerk attempted to persist in reading, the Captain repeated his 
command with such energy of voice, and meaning in his countenance, as convinced 
the Major it was not safe to proceed. The Captain then acquainted him, that he had 
an address from the Assembly to him, and read the protest. Gov. Andross, pleased 
with his bold and soldier-like appearance, said, "What's your name ?" He replied, 
" My name is Bull, sir." " Bull," said the governor, " it is a pity that your horns are 
not tipped with silver." Finding that he could make no impression upon the officers 
or people, and that the legislature of the colony were determined to defend themselves, 
in the possession of their chartered rights, he gave up his design of seizing the fort. 
He represented the protest as a slender affair, and an ill requital of his kindness. He 
said, however, he should do no more. The militia of the town guarded him to his 
boat, and going on board Ire soon sailed for Long Island.* 

Saybrook point is a peninsula, circular in its form, and connected 
with the main land by a narrow neck, over which the tide sometimes 
flows. From this place to the fort, on the eastern extremity of the pe- 
ninsula, the distance is about one mile. On the neck, a palisado was 
anciently formed from the river to the cove, to secure Saybrook point 
from any sudden incursion of the Indians. The soil on the peninsula 
is light and sandy, and the elevation of the highest part is about twenty 
feet. Being nearly destitute of trees and shrubbery, it presents to the 
beholder a bleak and naked aspect. 

The land on the Point was laid out with care, as it was expected to 
become the residence of great men, and the center of great business 
and wealth. It is said that Oliver Cromwell, with other men then 
equally distinguished, actually embarked in the Thames, to occupy this 
ground. Westward of the fort a square was laid out, on which it was 
intended houses should be erected for Cromwell, Pymm, Hasselrig, 
and Hampden, the most illustrious Commoners in the English annals, 
who were expected from Europe ; while a square still further west was 
reserved for public uses. 

About halfway between the palisado was erected the first building 
designed for the collegiate school, since named Yale College. This 
building was one story in height, and about eighty feet in length. Some 

* Trumbull's History of Connecticut. 



SATBROOK 



539 



remains of the cellar, " over which the ploughshare has passed," are 
still visible. Fifteen commencements were held at Saybrook. More 
than sixty young men were graduated, most of whom entered the min- 
istry, and some of them became characters of distinguished usefulness 
and excellence. To educate young men of piety and talents for the 
ministry, was the leading design of this institution. It was desired by 
the founders and others, that the churches should have a public stand- 
ard or confession of faith, agreeable to which the instruction of the 
college should be conducted. This led to the adoption of the Saybrook 
Platform, after the commencement in 1708. 

The removal of the college from this place to New Haven, produced great excite- 
ment in the colony of Connecticut. The feelings raised in the towns most interested, 
may be gathered from the circumstances attending the removal of the library. " An 
unsuccessful application having been made for this by some of the trustees, the Gov- 
ernor and council convened in Saybrook at their request, in December, 1718; and 
issued a warrant to the sheriff to go and take the books. When he got to the house 
where they were kept, he found men collected to resist him ; but calling assistance, he 
forcibly entered the house, took them, and had them secured by a guard through the 
night. In the morning it appeared that the carts provided for carrying them to New 
Haven were broken, and the horses turned away. New provision being made, they 
were conducted out of the town by the major of the county ; but some of the bridges 
on the road were broken up, and when they arrived in New Haven, it was discovered, 
on counting the books, that about 260 were wanting. These were disposed of by per- 
sons-unknown, together with some valuable papers, in the confusion which arose at 
the taking of the library, and no discovery was made of them afterwards." 



Names of the freemen in Saybrook, 1669. (From the Wyllis MSS.) 



Mr. Robert Chapman, 
Mr. William Pratte, 
Mr. Thos. Buckinghame 
Mr. John Wassroll, 
Ffrancis Bushnell, 
William Parker, sen. 
Thomas Dunke, 
Robert Lay, 



William Bramore, 
Richard Jossland, 
William Bushnell, 
Alexander Chalker, 
William Lord, sen, 
John Clarke, 
Abraham Posee, 
Samuell Joans, 



John Parker, 
John Bushnell, 
Edward Shipman, 
Joseph Ingram, 
John Chapman, 
Robert Chapman, jun. 
Thomas Norton, 
Richard Raymond. 



The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the ancient 
burying ground on Saybrook point, near where the college building for- 
merly stood. 

Sacred to the memory of Maj'r General William Hart, eldest son of Rev. William 
Hart of Saybrook, who was born June 24th, 1746, and died August 29th, 1817, in the 
72 year of his age. In youth, active and enterprising, he early entered on mercantile 
pursuits, and sustained a character of unquestionable integrity and extensive respect- 
ability. By his talents, he rose to some of the first civil and military honors of this 
state ; and commanded unusual influence at home and abroad. He loved order — was 
an able counsellor — a professor of religion — a benefactor to the church — a pillar to 
society : and has left a memory respected by his friends, instructive to his family, and 
honorable to the place in which he lived. 

" One eye on death, and one full fix'd on heav'n, 
Become a mortal and immortal man." 



Mary Ann Hart. — The silver cord is loosed, — The Golden Bowl is broken, — The 
dust returns to the earth as it was, and the Spirit to God who gave it. — But the trumpet 
shall sound and the dead shall be raised. 



510 



TOLLAND COUNTY. 

Tolland County was incorporated as such in 1786. It was formed 
from Hartford and Windham Counties. It is bounded n. by Massa- 
chusetts, e. by Windham County, s. by New London County, and w. 
by Hartford County. It is irregular in its form. Its greatest length 
from north to south is about 30 miles. At the north part it is nearly 
20 miles in breadth ; at its southern extremity it is but five miles in 
breadth. Tolland County, as it respects its surface, soil, &c. may be 
divided into two distinct sections, the eastern and western. The west- 
ern section, lying within the great valley of the Connecticut, is a hand- 
some level or undulating country. This tract is generally free from, 
stone, and the soil, though somewhat light, is warm, fertile and pro- 
ductive, and well adapted to the growth of grain. The eastern section, 
which embraces the largest portion of the county, is within the granitic 
range which extends through the state. A considerable proportion of 
forest lands still remain in this part of the county. The improved 
lands afford tolerable good grazing, but are not very well adapted for a 
grain culture. The manufacturing interests of the county are respecta- 
ble and flourishing. 

The following is a list of the towns, with their population in 1830. 



Tolland, . 


. 1,698 


Ellington, . 


. 1,455 


Stafford, . . 2,515 


Bolton, 


. 744 


Hebron, 


. 1,937 


Union, . . 711 


Columbia, . 


. 962 


Mansfield, . 


. 2,661 


Vernon, . . 1,164 


Coventry, . 


. 2,119 


Somers, 


. 1,429 


Willington, . . 1,305 


Population 


of the co 


unty in 1820, 

x n 


14,330; 


in 1830, 18,700. 



TOLLAND. 

Tolland was originally purchased of the native Indians by a num- 
ber of gentlemen in Windsor. In 1715 it was incorporated by the As- 
sembly, and the settlement of the town was commenced by two fami- 
lies. The progress of the settlement was slow; the number of families 
in 1720 was but twenty eight. About one half of the township, com- 
prising the south part, was claimed by a number of persons who were 
legatees of Joshua Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans. This proved a 
source of considerable difficulty, as the legatees commenced suits at law 
against the settlers. The proprietors holding under the Windsor claim- 
ants were obliged, at a dear rate, to purchase quit claims of the lega- 
tees of Joshua. The Rev. Stephen Steel was the first minister of this 
town. He commenced his labors in 1720, and continued his ministry 
for about thirty seven years, greatly beloved and revered by his peo- 
ple. Mr. Steel was from Hadley, Mass. The first settlers were o( the 
names of Chapman, Stearns, Grant, West, Carpenter, Aborns, Abbot, 
Lathrop, Nye and Dimock. The Chapmans were from Windsor ; 
they located themselves about 2£ miles westerly from the court house, 



TOLLAND. 



341 



near the Hartford road, in the vicinity of Snipsic pond or lake. John 
Stearns settled about 2 miles eastward of the court house ; Zebulon 
West about 3 miles south ; the Govers, Carpenters and Samuel Aborns, 
located about 2| miles north. Ebenezer Grant, from East Windsor, 
settled on Grant's hill, about 2-i miles south from the courthouse; 
Nye and Dimock settled near Willimantic river, about 4 miles east. 




South viciv of the central part of Tolland. 

Tolland is bounded n. by a narrow section of land in Ellington, ex- 
tending eastward, called "the Equivalent," w. by Vernon and Elling- 
ton, e. by the Willimantic river, dividing it from Willington, and s. by 
Coventry. It is upwards of six miles in length from north to south, 
and five and a half in breadth. The township is rough and uneven, 
being mountainous and stony, but some of the valleys and borders of 
streams consist of loam, which is warm and fertile. On the western 
boundary of the town is a large body of water, called Snipsic pond, be- 
ing two miles in length and 100 rods in width. Some of the most val- 
uahle land in the township is in the vicinity of this pond. There is 
also a pond called Skungamug, in the central part of the town, upon 
which beavers were formerly taken by the Indians. Great quantities 
of cranberries are now gathered upon its borders. 

The village in the central part of this town consists of about forty 
well appearing houses, pleasantly situated on an elevated plain of about 
half a mile in extent from north to south, narrow, but of sufficient width 
for a wide street. This place is IS miles east from Hartford, and 52 
from New Haven. A range of mountains rises immediately to the west 
of the village, dividing this part of the state from the great valley of the 
Connecticut. The view shows the central part of the village, embra- 
cing most of the public buildings. The first building on the left is the 
Tolland County bank. The next building by its side, with a steeple, 
is the court house for the county ; the next is Col. Elijah Smith's tav- 
ern. Col. Smith was the first post master, and has kept a public house 



542 BOLTON. 

on this spot ever since the year 1800. On the opposite side of the 
street is seen another tavern, to which the county jail is attached. The 
Baptist church, with a square tower, is seen in the distance : the post 
office is kept at this time in the basement story of this building. The 
Methodist church is situated at the northern extremity of the village, on 
the west side of the street. The Congregational church, the largest 
building in the place, stands at the south end of the village, and being 
in the street, is a very prominent object in that direction. The view 
being taken in the central part of the street, looking north, of course 
this church could not be represented in the engraving. 

The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the grave 
yard, south of the village. 

Here lies the body of the Rev. Mr. Stephen Steel, the worthy pastor of the Church 
of Christ in Tolland, who departed this life the 4th of December, A. D. 1759, in the 
63d year of his age, and the 37th of his ministry. For me to live is Christ, and to die 
is gain. 

Here lies interred the body of ye Hon'ble Zebulon "West, Esq'r. sometime Justice of 
ye quorum, Judge of probates, Speaker of ye Lower House of Assembly, and member 
of ye Hon'ble Council, who lived much respected and died greatly lamented, on ye 4th 
day of December, A. D. 1770. ^Etatis Anno 65th. 

Heaven waits not the last moment owns her friends 

On this side death, and points them out to men : 

A lecture silent, but of sovereign power — 

To vice confusion, and to virtue peace. 

In memory of Samuel Cobb, Esq. a gentleman of public education and distinguished 
abilities, who long served his generation as a physician and minister of justice, to great 
acceptance, and in his life and death was an example of sobriety and virtue, and evi- 
denced the influences and consolations of Religion; lived much esteemed, and died 
universally lamented, on ye 6th day of April, A. D. 1781, Anno iEtatis 65lh. 

The great, the good, the wise, the just, 

Must all in time be turn'd to dust: 

Then learn to quit terrestrial ties, 

That you may soar above the skies ; 

And then enjoy the blissful favor, 

Of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. 



Capt. Amos Fellows was captivated by ye British troops on ye Island of New York, 
Sept. 15, 1776, and was closely confined for several months, and there suffered repeat- 
ed hardships, probably insupportable, and died in captivity, Feb. 16, 1777, in ye 48th 
year of his age. His remains are there still, and that his memory may be perpetua- 
ted, this monument is here erected by his son. A tribute of a tear is due to him who 
jn his country's cause has lost his life. 



BOLTON. 



The settlement of this town commenced about the year 1716, by a 
number of settlers, principally from the towns of Hartford, Windsor and 
Wethersfield. The first town meeting was held in 1720, the year it 
was incorporated. In 1725, the inhabitants obtained liberty of the 
General Assembly, to form a church. The first minister of the town 
was the Rev. Thomas White, who was ordained in 1725. 

The town is bounded n. by Vernon, w. by Manchester and Glasten- 
bury, e. by Coventry, and s. by Hebron. It is upwards of 5 miles in 



COLUMBIA, 



>43 



length and 3 in breadth. The soil is a coarse, hard, gravelly loam, 
rather cold and sterile. Tt affords, however, tolerable grazing lands. 
The township has an elevated situation, hilly and stony, being within 
the granitic region of the eastern section of the state. 




Bolton Stone Quarry. 

The above is a representation of the Bolton Quarry, so called ; be- 
ing the principal place, at the time this drawing was taken, where this 
stone was quarried. The engraving shows the position in which the 
stone is found. Recently, (1836,) a new quarry has been opened, a 
few rods north of the one represented. This range is near the boun- 
dary line between Bolton and Vernon, and about 13 miles from Hart- 
ford. This stone is a species of slate, of a brilliant light gray color, 
composed of mica and quartz, and is excellent for flagging and other 
purposes. It is extensively used in the principal cities of the United 
States. For strength it exceeds any other known in this country, and 
the demand for it is rapidly increasing. These quarries have been 
worked about twenty years, though not in an extensive manner till 
quite recently. Messrs. Apollos Sweetland, and Waterman Roberts, 
of Hartford, and Ahab Smith, and Isaac Keney, Jr. of Bolton, are the 
proprietors. Sweetland and Roberts, of Hartford, are agents for the 
concern. 



COLUMBIA. 

Columbia was formerly a part of the town of Lebanon. It was in- 
corporated as a town in 1800. It is bounded n. by Hop river, which 
separates it from Coventry, w. by Hebron, e. by Lebanon and Wind- 
ham, and s. by Lebanon. It is about five miles long, and four wide. 
The central part of the town is twenty two miles east from Hartford. 
The township is uneven and hilly, and the soil is a coarse gravelly loam, 
being hard and dry, yet well adapted for grazing. The town constitutes 
one Congregational society. 



544 COLUMBIA. 

It was in this place that Dr. Eleazar Whcelock, the first president of Dartmouth 
College, had his celebrated Indian school. His house and the school stood a lew rods 
from the present Congregational church. Dr. Wheelock was born in Windham, in 
April, 1711, and graduated at Yale College in 1733. Soon after leaving college, he 
entered into the ministry, and soon received an unanimous invitation to become the 
pastor of the second society in Lebanon, (now Columbia,) with which he complied. 
While a minister in this place, he became desirous to employ himself in a more ex- 
tended field of action. The unhappy and neglected tribes of Indians in the county, 
and on its borders, excited his compassion and engaged his attention. About this 
time, (1711,) Sampson Occum, a serious Indian youth, solicited instruction, as Mr. 
Wheelock had opened a school for a small number of young men who were preparing 
for college. He willingly received young Occum into his family and school, where 
he continued for about three years. He afterwards became a preacher of considerable 
celebrity. Dr. Wheelock conceived, that if he could educate Indian youth for mis- 
sionaries, they would be more successful among their countrymen than the whites. 
With these views, he undertook himself the care and expense of educating two Iiidnin 
lads from the Delaware nation, in 1754, but the design was so benevolent, that a n um- 
ber of gentlemen soon united with him. His pupils increased, and after receiving 
numerous benefactions, the largest of which was the benefaction of Mr. Joshua Moor, 
of Mansfield, he called his institution "Moor's Indian Charity School." In 1764, the 
school consisted of about thirty scholars, of whom about half were Indian youth. The 
Indian boys were accommodated in a part of the house given by Mr. Moor. The 
school house was nigh Mr. Wheelock's dwelling, in the hall of which the students and 
their instructors attended morning and evening prayers. 

To enlarge the power of doing good, contributions were solicited not only in various 
parts of this country, but also in England and Scotland. The money collected in 
England was put into the hands of a board of trustees, of whom the earl of Dartmouth 
was at the head. From this circumstance, when Dr. Wheelock was invited by the 
government of New Hampshire to remove to Hanover and establish a college in that 
place, it was called Dartmouth College. This seminary was incorporated in 17b'!), 
and Dr. Wheelock was declared its founder and president, with the right of appointing 
his successor. 

In 1770, Df. Wheelock removed his family and school to Hanover, his pupils per- 
forming the tour on foot. The roads at that period were in a very rough and unfin- 
ished state, and it was in many places difficult to proceed. The site selected for the 
college and other buildings, was an extensive plain, shaded by lofty pines, with no 
accommodations, except two or three small log huts, and no house on that side of the 
river within two miles, through one continued dreary wood. The number of souls 
then with him was about seventy. Log houses were soon constructed, and a small 
framed house was begun, designed for the reception of Dr. Wheelock and his family. 
The frame of a college, eighty feet in length and two stories in height, was soon alter 
raised, and partially covered: a hall, and two or three rooms in it, were considerably 

advanced when the autumnal storms commenced Upon a circular area of about 

six acres, the pines were soon felled , and in all directions covered the ground to the 
height of about five feet. Paths of communication were cut through them. . . . The 
snow lay four feet in depth between four and five months. " Sometimes standing in 
the open air, at the head of his numerous family, Dr. Wheelock presented to God 
their morning and evening prayers : the surrounding forests, for the first time, rever- 
berated the solemn sounds of supplication and praise."* He died in 1779, in the 69th 
year of his age, and was succeeded by his son in the presidency of the college. 

The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the burying 

ground, near the Congregational church in Columbia. 

Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Sarah, the wife of ye Rev'd Elea/cr Wheelock, who 
died Nov. 13, A. D. 1746, and in the 44th yr. of her age ; and of a character too great 
and good, to have any thing worthy of it inscribed here. 

Sacred to the memory of Dea'n Thomas Lyman, who died Aug. 13, 1783, in the 80th 
year of his age. He was a man of great experience in ye Christian Religion. Few 
in our world have enjoyed a more constant communion with Heaven, or at intervals 
had greater discoveries of Divine things. His life was zealous and exemplary, his 
death was peaceful and triumphant. He did great honor to religion while he lived, 
but greater when he died. In his last moments were seen ye power of ye divine life, 
and ye most convincing proofs to ye truth of ye Christian Religion. 

Behold my friends, what grace can do for men, 

When by it, they like babes are born again. 

* Memoirs of Wheelock. by Drs. M'Clure and Parish. 



COVENTRY. 



545 



COVENTRY. 

Coventry was first settled about the year 1700, by Nathaniel Rust 
and some others. The settlement of the town has, however, been 
dated from 1709. In the spring of this year, a number of respectable 
persons from Northampton and other places moved into the town, and 
the inhabitants were so increased in about two years, that they were 
incorporated with the privileges of other towns. The planters were 
from a great variety of places, but principally from Northampton and 
Hartford. The township was originally given by Joshua, sachem of the 
Mohegans, to a number of legatees in Hartford, who conveyed their 
right to William Pitkin, Joseph Talcott, William Whiting, and Richard 
Lord, to be a committee to lay out said township, and make settlements 
on the lands. 




North view of the Hale House, Coventry. 

Coventry, the central part of which is eighteen miles east from Hart- 
ford, is bounded n. by Tolland, w. by Bolton and Vernon, e. by the 
Willimantic river, separating it from Mansfield, and s. by Hebron and 
Columbia. Its average length and breadth is upwards of six miles. 
The surface of the town is uneven, and the soil is generally a gravelly 
loam. There is a lake, or pond, in this town, called Wangombog, two 
miles in length and one in breadth. A stream, called the Skungamug, 
runs from north to south through the town ; and, uniting its waters with 
another stream, forms Hop river, which passing eastward till it reaches 
the Willimantic, constitutes the greater part of the southern boundary 
of the town. 

The above is a view of the birth-place of Capt. Nathan Hale, the 
martyr to American liberty. The house is on elevated ground, com- 
manding an extensive prospect westward; twenty miles from Hartford, 
and seven from Tolland. 

69 



546 COVENTRY. 

Capt. Hale graduated at Yale College in 1773. The ardent glow of patriotism 
induced him in an early period of the Revolution to enter the army, as a captain in 
the light infantry regiment, commanded by Col. Knowlton of Ashford. After the 
defeat of the Americans on the 27th of August, 177G, and their retreat from Long 
Island, Gen. Washington became extremely desirous to gain some knowledge respect- 
ing the enemy's future operations. Notwithstanding the extreme difficulty and peril 
of the undertaking, Capt. Hale volunteered his services to the commander in chief. 
Having disguised himself and crossed over to Long Inland, he proceeded to the Brit- 
ish encampment, obtained the necessary information, but at the moment of his leav- 
ing the island, he was recognized by a relative, who was a refugee, and betrayed. 
He was taken before Sir William Howe, who, without the formality of a trial, ordered 
him to be hung the next morning. This peremptory order was carried iuio eti'ect 
in a cruel, barbarous; and revengeful manner. He met his fate with composure and 
firmness. His last words were, "that he lamented that he had but one life to lose for 
his country." 

The Hon. Samuel Huntington, governor of Ohio, was the son of the Rev. Joseph 
Huntington of this town. In 1801. he removed to Ohio, then comparatively a wilder- 
ness. He was appointed to a succession of important offices. He died at Painsville, 
June 7th, 1817, aged 49 years. 

Lorenzo Dow, a celebrated itinerant preacher, was born in this town, about two 
miles south of the Hale house, Oct. 16th, 1777. He was distinguished for his eccen- 
tricities ami labors. He commenced preaching in the Methodist connexion. He 
traveled through the United States, from New England to the extremities of the Union, 
at least from fifteen to twenty times. Occasionally be went into Canada, and once to 
the West Indies. He also made three voyages to England and Ireland, where he 
drew crowds around him. " It is thought, and not without reason, that during the 
thirty eight years of his public life, he must have traveled nearly two hundred thousand 
miles." He wrote a number of books, besides his " Journal," or life : the titles are 
usually as eccentric as their author. He died at Georgetown, (D. C.) Feb. 2d, 1834. 

From the American Mercury, May 2d, 1785. 
By authentic information from Connecticut, we learn that a tew weeks since, a per- 
son on his travels through the town of Coventry in that state, stopped on a Saturday 
at the house of the Rev. Joseph Huntington, D. D. and acquainted the Doctor that he 
had been preaching at Susquehannah for a considerable time, was so unfortunate as 
to be driven from his possessions there by the Indians — that his property was destroyed 
by them — that he was then bound to the state of Massachusetts, where he had some 
friends residing, and at the same time begged charity. The Doctor, who is by no 
means a stranger to acts of hospitality, was very liberal and charitable to the clergy- 
man, invited him to stay and spend the Sabbath, as there would be an impropriety 
in his traveling the succeeding day: which invitation the stranger accepted. The 
Doctor then requested his brother clergyman to assist him in t lie duties of his func- 
tion; but he objected, and said that his clothes were not sufficiently decent to appear 
in the pulpit. In order to obviate this difficulty, the Doctor offered him a suit of clothes 
which he had not long since received from the tailor, and desired him to try them on, 
which he did, and found they suited very well. The objection being removed, the 
clergyman accordingly agreed to assist the Doctor the succeeding day, and desired to 
be by himself that evening to study his discourse. A fire was then made in his bed 
chamber, where he repaired with his new garb, at the same time acquainting the Doc- 
tor that he must study until late at night, and hoped no noise which he might make 
would disturb the repose of the family. Sunday morning came, the adroit clergyman 
was sent for to breakfast, but to the great surprise of the family, he was not to be 
found; for during the night he had taken his exit, not forgetting the garment so well 
suited to his clerical dignity, and leaving behind him the following select and well 
adapted text, prefixed at the top of the paper intended for his sermon : " Ye shall seek 
me and shall not find me; and where I am, thither ye cannot come." — John 7, 31. 



The following inscriptions are from monuments near the Congrega- 
tional church, in the southeastern part of the town. Mr. Meacham is 
believed to have been the first settled minister in the town. 

The Rev. Mr. Joseph Meacham was near 40 years ye learned, faithful, and painful 
pastor of ye church in Coventry. He was a man of God, fervent in prayer, zealous 
and plain in preaching, sincere in reproving, holy and prudent in conversation ; a kind 
husband, tender father, sincere friend ; a lover of souls. Fired with ye labors of ye 
Word, his ardenl soul bent its flight to Jesus, and dropped ye body to rest here till Jesus 
come, Sept. 15th, 1752, in ye 67th year of his age. 



ELLINGTON. 547 

Here lies what was mortal of Mrs. Esther Meacham, ye prudent, pious, and virtuous 
consort of Rev. Joseph Meacham. She was the daughter of ye venerable John Will- 
iams, and was carried captive to Canada with her father and his family ; was won- 
derfully preserved and redeemed, and lived an eminent example of what was amiable 
in a wife, a mother, a friend, and a Christian. Slept in Jesus, March 12th, 1751, in ye 
(JOth year of her age. 



Rev. Joseph Huntington, D. D. ordained June 29, 1763; died Dec. 25th, 1794, in the 
COth year of his age, and 3 - 2d of his ministry. He was an eminent divine, and labo- 
rious minister; an affectionate parent and friend. He was considered in the churches 
as a pattern of learning, an illustrious example of extensive charity, and was much 
improved as a councillor and peace maker. Blessed are the peace makers, for they 
shall be called the children of God. 



Durable stone preserve the monumental record. Nathan Hale, Esq. a Capt. in the 
army of the United States, who was born June 6th, 1755, and received the first honors 
of Yale College, Sept. 1773 ; resigned his life a sacrifice to his country's liberty at New 
York, Sept. 22d, 1775, JEtat. 22. Mr. Richard Hale, jr. born Feb. 20, 1757, died of 
consumption, in the island of St. Eustatia, aged 37. They were both the sons of 
Deacon Richard, and Mrs. Elizabeth Hale, of Coventry. 



ELLINGTON 



Ellington was originally a part of the township of East Windsor, 
called the Great Marsh, it was incorporated as a town in 1786. It 
is bounded n. by Somers and Stafford, w. by East Windsor, e. by 
Tolland and Stafford, and s. by Vernon and Tolland. It is irregular 
in its form, its greatest length being nine miles, and its greatest breadth 
about six, comprising upwards of 21,760 acres. The township in the 
western part is generally level, a considerable portion of it being a plain, 
the soil of which is light and dry, but considerably fertile. The eastern 
part is broken, hilly and mountainous. 

It was not until about seventy five years after the settlement began on the east side 
of Connecticut river, that any inhabitants located themselves in the part now called 
Ellington. Why this tract of land was thus neglected, cannot now be easily told. It 
might have been the opinion which early prevailed that the mountain land was better, 
the timber and water better, which influenced settlers to pass from Windsor to Tol- 
land, Willington, and other mountainous tracts, rather than occupy these plains. The 
opinion was long prevalent, that the soil on the plain, near the present center of the 
town, and all the western section of it, was far inferior to the elevated tracts in the 
adjoining towns east. And even the fathers of some who are now living in the towns 
east, might have purchased more than double the number of acres on the plain near 
the center of the town, with the same amount of capital that they invested in their 
farms on the mountains. Roger Wolcolt interested himself in the settling of Willing- 
ton, some years before there was any survey of this region. Tolland had a minister 
settled while this town was an unbroken wilderness. Bolton and Stafford were earlier 
surveyed than any part of this town. Coventry had a minister fifteen or twenty years 
before any one was located here. The land formerly occupied by the Ellsworths in 
this town, where Capt. Samuel Chapman now resides, was surveyed in the year 1720, 
as this was the earliest date in which any person made a beginning in this place. 
The following is from the original record. 

"Land surveyed to Daniel and John Ellsworth, sons of Lieutenant John Ellsworth, 
of Windsor, by Thomas Kimberly, surveyor of land in the county of Hartford, 16th 
of March, 1720, five hundred and forty acres of land between the mountains east of 
Windsor and Connecticut river, at a place called by the English ' The Great Marsh,' 
and by the Indians ' Weaxkashuck' — 340 acres bought of Capt. Joseph Wadsworth, 
and 200 acres bought of the Bissells, by said Lieut. John Ellsworth, began at a pine 
tree marked and having two mere-stones by it, standing on the plain near the north- 
west corner of the said marsh— (then all the bounds are described.) Samuel Pinney 
and Daniel Grant, being under oath, assisted in carrying the chain." 



54S ELLINGTON. 

This was in March, 1700. On a stone a little distance northwest from said Sam- 
uel Chapman's is the following inscription. "Lieut. John Ellsworth was killed here 
by the fall of a tree, Oct. 26tk, 1720, aged 49 years and 15 days." So far as can be 
learned from the records, it dues not apppear that there was any family within the lim- 
its of Ellington, previous to the aforesaid date. It is supposed that the Capt. Wads- 
worth of whom the Ellsworths purchased had a grant of land for services in the Pe- 
quot war. Whether the Bissels, of whom the 300 acres were bought, claimed under 
the Indian title, or in .some other way, is not known. The Rev. John McKinstry was 
the first minister who was settled in Ellington. He purchased a small place of An- 
drew MeKee, a little east of the place where Judge Hall's high school-house is now 
located, by deed dated April 27th, 1730. Three years afterwards he bought about 
thirty acres of land adjoining his first purchase, of Simon Parsons; his deed, witness- 
ed by Daniel Ellsworth, John Fairfield and Samuel Thompson, as appears from 
Windsor records. The ancient town of Windsor extended east to the road as it now 
runs from the widow Moulton's, by Wyllys Riussels's. South of Lucius ('hapman's, 
it passed on the side hill east of the road as it now runs to Bolton line, now Vernon. 
The land east of this, within the limits of Ellington, and called the Equivalent, was 
granted to the town of Windsor, and the grant making the conveyance is on the re- 
cords in the following words: 

"A patent of the Equivalent lands on the east side of Windsor. Whereas the Gov- 
ernor and Company of the English colony of Connecticut, in General Court assembled 
at Hartford, May the 10th, 1710, did give and grant unto the inhabitants of Windsor, 
in the County of Hartford, an Equivalent in the Colony lands, in consideration of 
7,250 acres of land on the north side of the said town, which by the Last settlement of 
the line of said Colony with the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, 
was taken off from said township. G. Saltonstall, Gov. 

" Hez. Wyllys, Secretary." 

These lands were surveyed, and their limits ascertained, on the 10th, 17th and 18th 
days of April, 1723, by James Wadsworth and John Hall. Twenty years passed 
away before a division of the tract was made among the proprietors. Proprietorship 
had become an exceedingly complex concern, and for almost twenty years there were 
yearly meetings held in which the division of these and other common lands was one 
of the objects before the meeting, while the difference of opinion among the proprie- 
tors was such, that all their doings w ere embarrassed to a degree that prevented them 
from proceeding. In 1743, the report of a committee appointed many years before 
was accepted, and according to their survey and division allotments were made. 
They began east where Selden McKinney resides, at the north line of Bolton, now 
Vernon, and laid out lots in half mile ranges to Somers, ami then back again. Be- 
yond the second tier, the lots were hud north and south in two tiers, all the south range 
bounded south by Tolland, and all the north on the north by Stafford. Beyond this 
a number of lots were laid out the whole breadth from Tolland to Stafford, and thus 
till the last lot was bounded by the Willimantic. In all these surveys and allotments, 
the pond between Ellington and Tolland was uniformly written Messtianips — for the 
north pond bordering upon Stafford no othername is known than Square Pond. The 
Rev. John McKinstry was in middle life when he was settled here. He was educated 
in Scotland, hut married his wile in Wenham, beyond Boston. She was the daughter 
of Deacon Fail held, of that place. When lie came to this place, he had live children, 
and two afterwards. Their names were John, Alexander, William, Paul, Mary, 
Betsey and Abigail. One of his sons was a physician, and lived at Taunton or that 
vicinity. Mary married Esq. Ellsworth, the son of Capt. Daniel Ellsworth. Betsey, 
while on a visit to her brothers at the East, was murdered by a slave who lived in the 
family. She was making preparation to attend an ordination in a neighboring town, 
arose early, ami having occasion to use a flat iron, was heating it by the fire: as she 
was leaning over the table, the slave took the Hat iron, and by a blow upon her head 
deprived her of life: he concealed her body under the stairs and fled : he was how- 
ever arrested and executed, and his confession of the deed published with the sermon 
preached at his execution: he had been told that if he should kill some one and run 
away he should be free. Mr. McKinstry continued his connection with the people 
in this place but 10 years. He was succeeded in the ministry by the Rev. Nathaniel 
Huntington : he continued here but six years and six months, and died of a consump- 
tion. His successor was the Rev. Seth Norton: his ministry was of short continuance: 
he died in 1762, aged 31 years. Hissuccessot was the.Rev. John Bliss: he died Feb- 
ruary- 13th, 1790, aged 54. 1 lis successor was Mr. Leonard, who continued in the re- 
lation of a minister but a few years, and was succeeded by the Rev. Diodate Brockway. 

" Ellington is situated partly on the plain and partly on the hills. A 
few years since no township in the county of Hartford, in which it was 



HEBRON, 



519 



then included, was in lower estimation ; its soil was considered lean — its 
agriculture was wretched, and the circumstances of its inhabitants were 
generally very humble. The circumstances of the community have 
changed, the agriculture and the buildings have improved, and the in- 
habitants have risen not a little in their general character." Few tracts 
of country possess advantages for further improvement equal to this, to 
render it a delightful garden, a most beautiful heritage, and a place of 
moral and intellectual worth. The scenery in this town embraces con- 
siderable variety and is uncommonly interesting and beautiful. 



-,V>>-V:5=; 



Wh £ Mi WMm 

ISP 




Western view of the central part of Ellington. 

The above is a west view of the Congregational church, and some 
other buildings in the central part of Ellington. In the village, or near 
the center of the town, are about 40 dwelling houses, most of which are 
finished in a neat, plain and handsome style. There is a high school, 
lyceum and conference house, school for young misses, district school, 
and two hotels, all of which are finished in a handsome style. The 
" Ellington School," designed principally for boys from the age of eight 
years to sixteen inclusive, is a respectable institution, and has acquired 
a deserved celebrity. The house of Judge Hall, the principal, and the 
high school, a spacious edifice, are elegant buildings, situated a little west 
of the Congregational church, on a gentle but beautiful eminence. 



HEBRON. 

The first settlement of this town was commenced in 1704. The 
first people who made settlements in the town were William Shipman, 
Timothy Phelps, Samuel Filer, Caleb Jones, Stephen Post, Jacob 
Root, Samuel Curtiss, Edward Sawyer, Joseph Youngs, and Renoni 
Trumbull. They were from Windsor, Saybrook, Long Island and 
Northampton. Hebron was incorporated as a town in 1707. It is 



550 



HEBRON. 



bounded n. by Bolton and Coventry, w. by Glastenbury and Marlbo- 
rough, e. by Columbia and Lebanon, and s. by Colchester. Its ave- 
rage length from north to south is 9£ miles, and its average breadth 
more than four miles. The surface of the town is uneven, being some- 
what hilly and diversified, and the soil is considerably fertile. There 
are in the town two located Congregational societies and churches, 1 
Episcopal church and 1 Methodist. The principal village in the town 
is 20 miles from Hartford. Hop river, a branch of the Willimantic, 
forms the northeastern boundary of the town. North pond, in the south 
part of this town, is a considerable body of water ; it is situated partly 
in this town and partly in Colchester. A large iron furnace for cast- 
ings and pig iron is now erecting near the outlet of this pond, about 
three miles from Hebron village. The best bed for obtaining the ore 
is said to be about one mile northwest of the Congregational church in 
Colchester. There are also in the first society, 1 woolen and 2 cotton 
factories, and 1 paper mill. 




South view of Hebron, (central part.) 

The above is a representation of some of the most important buildings 
in the principal village in Hebron, 20 miles s. e. from Hartford. The 
Gothic building on the left is the Episcopal church, which is built of 
brick. The first dwelling house north, with four chimnies, is the resi- 
dence of John S. Peters, Esq. formerly governor of the state. Gov. 
Peters was bred a physician, and is one of the largest landed proprie- 
tors in the town. On the right is seen in the distance the spire of the 
Congregational church, fronting the south, before which is a small open 
green. °The first society contains about half the inhabitants of the 
Town. The whole of the parish of Gilead, and about half of Ando- 
ver, are within its limits, both of which have an excellent soil, cultiva- 
ted by farmers. Hebron has furnished quite a number of distinguished 
men. Dr. Trumbull, the venerable historian of Connecticut, Gov. 
Peters, Gov. Palmer of Vermont, Gov. Root of New York, and three 
members of Congress, Sylvester Gilbert, Daniel Burrows, and the late 
Daniel Buck of Vermont, were all natives of this town. 



MANSFIELD. 551 

The first minister ordained in this town was Rev. John Bliss ; this was in October, 
1717. He declared tor Episcopacy in 1734, and having laid the foundation of a soci- 
ety, a house of worship was erected the next year for that denomination, and Mr. Bliss 
preached and read service for them a number of years afterwards. r l he Rev. Benja- 
min Pomeroy, D. D. in 17L!."), was ordained as pastor of the church and congregation 
from which Mr. Bliss was dismissed. He was an ardent and zealous preacher of the 
gospel, of the New Light order, and a warm admirer of Mr. Whilefield, who at that 
time experienced much opposition in many places. Mr. Pomeroy's zeal in endeav- 
oring to arouse his slumbering brethren, and their stupid congregations, in his vicin- 
ity, was deemed irregular, and (says Dr. Trumbull,) " a certificate was lodged against 
him, and, for seven years, he was deprived of his stated salary." 

The following, furnished by a correspondent, describes a scene of 

'other years:' in point of fact it is believed to be substantially correct. 

" The inhabitants of this town have been remarkable for their attachment to the 
different dynasties that have governed this country. In 1708, during the war between 
Great Britain and France, the then North American -colonies made a noble effort, 
aided by an army of regulars, to close a war, (waged with savage ferocity, by the 
combined forces of French and Indians,) by taking Louisburg, a strong fortress, and 
key to the Gulf and River St. Lawrence, which was gloriously accomplished by the 
troops under the command of General Amherst. The glad tidings were wafted on 
eagles' wings to every hamlet in the suffering country, gratitude warmed every heart, 
and joy lighted up every countenance; cordial greetings cheered every bosom, and 
enormous pumpkin pies smoked on every board. It was deemed necessary that some 
further demonstrations should be made, to show clearly the love of king and country 
that entwined around every ligament of their hearts; caps were thrown high, and a 
full chorus from stentorian lungs grandly echoed from the surrounding hills. A de- 
cree went forth, that a cannon should be fired; no life-destroying instrument of that 
description had ever broken the silence of tins part of the New World ; Yankee inge- 
nuity was placed on the rack; an entire new article was invented, and would have 
been patented forthwith, had fashion then led the way. A tremendous oaken log 
was brought from the forest, and without delay transformed into a cannon of the 
caliber of 120 pounds; to make all sure and establish the character of this new species 
of artillery, a son of Vulcan placed thereon massive hoops of iron ; — " a threefold cord 
is not easily broken," — and in accordance with this truth, a cordon of wood hoops were 
driven close over all, so that the infernal machine had the appearance of a mummy 
dressed for the tomb. The work was accomplished ; the powder horns were brought 
together and emptied of their contents; the gun was literally crammed, and removed 
to the summit of a hill, that the thunder thereof might be heard to the ends of the 
earth; a train was set and the match lighted; the assembled multitude stood afar off 
in breathless anxiety; the awful moment was approaching; the torch was applied to- 
the train ; the minion of mischief crept slowly towards the chamber of sleeping dust, 
like the serpent to the ear of our mother Eve, — 

" Lit by the brilliant spark, from grain to grain 

Runs the quick fire, along the kindling train ; 

On the pain'd ear-drum bursts the sudden crash, 

Starts the red flame, and death pursues the flash." 

In an instant, hope and fear, together with the object of adoration, were wafted to 
terra? incognitas in a fiery chariot. 

The fame of the exploit spread over the whole world, and was written in the Chroni- 
cles of the kings of England ; George the third, in the plenitude of his goodness, pro- 
vided a substitute made of pure brass, that his faithful subjects might ever after sing 
peans to his victorious army. This mark of his majesty's favor, however, was lost in 
passing the Atlantic Ocean. 



MANSFIELD. 



Mansfield* was formerly comprised in the original limits of the town 
of Windham, of which it was the northern section. It was made a dis- 

* This town was named, it is said, from Major Moses Mansfield of New Haven, 
who, in the Indian wars, routed a party of Indians somewhere in this region. In con- 
sequence of this exploit, he received a grant of a large tract of land, now comprised 



552 



MANSFIELD. 



tinct town in 1703. Its Indian name was Nau-bcsctuclc. Settlements 
were made here soon after they commenced at Windham. Some of the 
first settlers are said to have been of the names of Fenton, Royce and 
Hall. Patience Royce is said to have been the first white child born in 
the town. Settlers by the names of Storrs, Porter and Barrows, from 
Plymouth, were in this tovyn at an early period. In October, 1710, the 
Rev. Eleazar Williams was ordained as the first minister in the town. 
The township is bounded north by Willington and Ashford, west by 
Willimantic river, dividing it from Coventry, east by Chaplin, and south 
by Windham. Its average length from east to west is 8. miles ; its av- 
erage breadth nearly six. The central part is 27 miles east from Hart- 
ford, 19 from Norwich, and 12 from Tolland. 




Northeast view of the Presbyterian Church, Mansfield. 



The above is a north view of the Presbyterian church in Mansfield, 
and some other buildings in the vicinity, in the central part of the town. 
This is believed to be the only Presbyterian church in Connecticut. 
The members are ruled, or governed, by 8 elders. 

The face of the township is uneven, being diversified with hills and 
valleys : the eminences in general have considerable elevation. Be- 
sides the Willimantic, the town is watered by Nachaug river, and its 
tributary streams, the Mount Hope and Fenton. 

A larger quantity of silk is manufactured here than in any other place in the United 
States. This branch of industry was introduced into the country by Dr. Aspinwall 
of this place, above seventy years since, who established the raising of silk worms in 

in the limits of this town. The tradition is, that Major Mansfield received his name, 
Moses, from the following circumstance; his parents, who resided either in North or 
East Haven, in crossing the East river in a canoe, were upset, and their infant, whom 
they were taking across the river in order I'm- baptism, floated away from them. Be- 
ing well wrapped up in blankets, the infant floated dow a the stream and lodged among 
the rushes, where he was taken tip, having received no injury. 1 [is parents intended 
to have named him Richard, but from the circumstance of ins being taken from tin- 
water and from the rushes, he was called Moses, lie was a major of the militia, 
which was the highest militarj office in the county,; he was also a judge of the county 
court, and an assistant judge of probate 



SOMERS. 553 

New Haven, Long Island and Philadelphia. At this period half an ounce of mul- 
berry seed was sent to every parish in Connecticut, and the legislature for a time of- 
fered a bounty on mulberry trees and raw silk; 265 lbs. were raised in 1793, aDd the 
quantity has been increasing ever since. In 1830, '3,200 lbs. were raised. Two small 
silk factories have been established in this town by an English manufacturer, with 
swifts for winding hard silk; 32 spindles for doubling; seven dozen of spindles for 
throwing; 32 spindles for soft silk winding; and 2 broad and one fringe silk looms. 
There is machinery enough to keep 30 broad silk looms and fifty hands in operation. 
There are in the town two cotton factories. Screw augers and steelyards are manu- 
factured here. 

The inhabitants of this town have been distinguished for their ingenuity, enterprise 
and industry. About sixty years since Mr. Daniel Hartshorn of this place, invented 
the buzz saw, now so useful in the mechanic's shop. At the first he used it by hand, 
for cutting the teeth for horn combs. About this time, Mr. Nathan Palmer, a house 
joiner, and Andrew Hartshorn, a blacksmith, invented the screw auger. Steelyards 
were manufactured by Mr. Hanks, spectacles and surgical instruments by Mr. Fen ton, 
at an early date. The double wheelhead was invented by Mr. Horace Hanks, about 
the year 1800, for the purpose of spinning silk. It was first used in the family of Mr. 
Wright. The first silk reeled from the cocoons was the work of the wife of the Rev. 
Mr. Martin, who had been in France, and had seen the operation in that country. 
Most of the manufacturing business done in this town, has been performed, in the 
"republican style," each one for himself in his own family. 



The following inscription is from a monument in the yard a little south 

from the Presbyterian church. 

Here lies the body of ye Rev. Mr. Eleazer Williams, pastor of ye chh. in Mansfield. 
Descended from venerable ancestors, but more nobly born from above ; and with faith- 
fulness, prudence, zeal and courage, improved the gifts and graces his divine Lord 
had intrusted him with; in ye work of the ministry here, being found with his loynes 
girt and looking for the mercy of the Lord Jesus to eternal life, at his master's call, he 
quietly fell asleep iu Jesus, Sept. 21st, 1742, in the 55th year of his age, and ye 32d 
year of his pastoral work. — Them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 



SOMERS. 



Somers is bounded n. by the Massachusetts line, w. by Enfield, e. by 

Stafford, and s. by Ellington. It is about six miles in length from north 

to south, with a mean breadth of about five miles. The central part of 

the town is 22 miles n. e. from Hartford, and 12 s. e. from Springfield, 

in Massachusetts. There is 1 Congregational and 1 Methodist church 

in the town ; there is also a considerable number of Baptists, who are 

associated with the Baptist churches in the neighboring towns. The 

western section of the town is generally smooth and level, and free from 

stone. The eastern section is hilly and mountainous, with some heights 

of considerable elevation, affording an extensive and interesting prospect 

of Hartford, and the beautiful valley of the Connecticut. 

Somers was formerly the southeast part of the ancient town of Springfield, granted 
by the General Court of Massachusetts to Mr. Pyncheon and his company. It was 
afterwards incorporated with the town of Enfield, and was part of the same ecclesias- 
tical society, and so continued to be until about the year 1726, when it was made a dis- 
tinct ecclesiastical society, by the General Court of Massachusetts, by the name of East 
Enfield. The town of Enfield, when incorporated, extended from Connecticut river 
to Stafford, ten miles. The first person who moved on to Somers was Benjamin 
Jones, of Welch extraction. He was from Enfield; and in 1706 moved on to this 
tract where he resided in the summer,* but moved back in the winter, and at other 

* This was near the foot of the mountain, on the principal road which passes through 
the town from Enfield to Stafford. 

70 



554 



SOMERS. 



times when danger was apprehended. But no permanent settlement was made until 
1713, when Edward Kibbe, James Pease, Timothy Root, and John M'Gregory, with 
their families, joined with Jones, and made a durable settlement. Soon alter, several 
other families became residents in the town, by the names of Horton, Killam, Wood, 
Collins, Cittron, Davis, Sexton, Parsons, Blood, Purchase, Rock wood, Felt and Fisk. 
Their first pastor was the Rev. Samuel Allis, who was ordained in March, 1727. In 
1734, the General Court of Massachusetts incorporated the society as a town by the 
name of Somers. It is said to have been thus named at the request of Gov. Belcher, 
in honor of Lord Somers, for whom he had a peculiar respect and veneration.* The 
town first transacted its business under the government of Connecticut, in 1749. 




West view of Somers, (central part.} 

The above is a view of the central part of the town, where the two 
principal roads intersect each other at right angles. The principal vil- 
lage is situated on a street running east and west, and extending about 
a mile. The building on the extreme right is the Methodist church, 
recently erected : there are perhaps 30 or 40 dwelling houses within 
half a mile of this building: the Congregational church is about half a 
mile to the north. There are in the village 4 or 5 mercantile stores, 
and one establishment, owned by Ebenezer Clark, Esq. for the manu- 
facture of ladies' straw bonnets, being, it is believed, the only one of 
the kind in the state. At present about 30 hands are employed, and 
about 100 hats manufactured daily. Part of the material, or straw, of 
which they are formed, is imported from abroad. Mr. Clark commen- 
ced the manufacture of these hats or bonnets about six years since. 

" In the year 1775, a malignant level prevailed in this town. It began about the first 
of August, and raged three months. This sickness had been immediately preceded 
by the scarlet fever and dysentery, which carried off a number. Thirty six persons 
died that year, most of whom died of the I'vvvr, about one in twenty nine of the whole 
number of inhabitants in the town. It seized its patients with great violence, and fre- 
quently brought life to a close by the eighth day, and sometimes as early as the sixth. 
It rarely failed of attacking every person in the house where it entered, in its early 
stages. The people in general 'were Idled with great consternation. Nurses were 
procured with great difficulty, and, in some instances, the sick must have suffered, if 
recourse had not been had to legal coercion." " The scenes of distress which opened 
among the sick and dying, can be remembered by us who were eye witnesses, but can- 
not be described." 



* Dr. Trumbull. 



STAFFORD. 



555 



The following inscription is on Dr. Backus's monument, in the grave 

yard by the Congregational church. 

Sacred to the memory of Rev. Charles Backus, who died Dec. 30th, 1803, TEtat. 54. 
As a minister of Christ, he faithfully declared his counsel, and was wise to win souls 
lo God. As an ecclesiastical counselor he was skillful ; and as a theological preceptor, 
he was deservedly celebrated. As an Husband, Father and Friend, he has few equals, 
and perhaps no superiors, lie expired, repeating the angelic sons:. Luke 2d, 11th, 
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men. 



STAFFORD. 

Stafford is divided into two societies, or parishes, Stafford and West 
Stafford. It is bounded n. by the Massachusetts line, w. by Somers, 
s. by Ellington and Wellington, and e. by Union. It is about Si miles 
in length from east to west, and upwards of six in breadth. The face 
of the country in Stafford is hilly, and in West Stafford mountainous, 
abounding with primitive rocks. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, 
hard and dry, generally favorable for grass. 




Northwest view of Stafford Mineral Springs Hotel. 



This town was surveyed in 1718, and its settlement was commenced in the spring of 
the following year. The principal settlers were twelve in number. Two of them, 
Robert White and Matthew Thompson, were from Europe. Samuel and John War- 
ner were from Hadley : Daniel and Josiah Pdodget, from Woburn; Cornelius Davis, 
from Haverhill; Daniel Colburn, from Dedham ; John Pasco, from Enfield; Josiah 
Standish, from Preston; Joseph Orcut, from Weymouth ; and Benjamin Rockwell, 
from Windsor. The first minister, Mr. Graham, 'was settled in 1723. 

There are several minerals in the town, of which iron ore is the most 
important. Several mines of it have been opened. The ore which is 
principally used is the bog ore, and is of an excellent quality. In 1779, 
Mr. John Phelps and others built a blast furnace on a large scale. Hol- 
low ware, cannon, cannon shot, and a great variety of patterns for man- 
ufacturers, and other descriptions of machinery, were cast. In 1796, 



556 union. 

another furnace was erected by Mr. Nathaniel Hyde and company. 
This, also, is upon an extensive scale. 

The mineral springs in Stafford have justly acquired considerable 
celebrity. They are situated upon a stage road, between Hartford and 
Boston, six miles from Tolland coi.-, house, and 24 miles from Hartford. 
The view shows the appearance of the hotel, and most of the other 
buildings connected with the establishment, as viewed from the stage 
road which passes by, a few rods to the north. The principal spring 
rises behind the building nearest the hotel, on the banks of a stream, 
one of the branches of the Willimantic river. There is another spring 
a few rods westward. 

The Indians first made the settlers acquainted with the virtues of these springs, 
when, in the year 1719, this part of the country began to be settled. " It has been their 
practice, time immemorial, to resort to them in the warm season, and plant their wig- 
wams round them. They recommended the water as an eye water ; but gave, as their 
own particular reason for drinking' it, that it enlivened their spirits." It is said, that 
in lTtJti, these springs were carefully examined by Dr.Warr.en, who then had thoughts 
of purchasing the land on which they rise, with a view of establishing himself upon 
it. Subsequent events transformed the physician into a soldier, and Dr. Warren fell 
in the first great struggle of the Revolution, with the rank of a major general, at the 
battle of Bunker's hill. Dr. Willard afterwards put Dr. Warren's plan into operation, 
by building a large hotel lor the reception of patients and others. The establishment 
is at present owned by Mr. Jasper Hyde, and its former reputation is fully sustained, 
and it is a place of much resort for the purposes of health or pleasure during the sum- 
mer season. — " There are two distinct springs, the medical qualities of which are con- 
sidered as essentially different. One of them contains a solution of iron, sustained by 
carbonic acid gas, a portion of marine salt, some earthly substances, and what has 
been called natron, or a native alkili. This spring has been known and used for a 
length of time, and has been pronounced by chemists to be one of the most efficacious 
chalybeate springs in the United Stales. The other spring, the medicinal virtues of 
which were not known till about the year 1810, contains, according to the opinion of 
Professor Silliman, (who examined it in that year,) a large portion of hydrogen gas, 
of sulphur, and a small proportion of iron." — " These springs did not acquire much 
celebrity until about the year 1765, when a case occured calculated to establish and 
extend their reputation. It was an effectual cure of a most obstinate cutaneous com- 
plaint which had completely baffled all medicinal skill, and resisted all other applica- 
tions. The publicity which was given to this case soon raised the reputation of these 
springs ; and a consequence of which they immediately became a place of resort of 
persons afflicted with various diseases." 



UNION. 



"The settlement of this town begun in 1727. The first and princi- 
pal settlers were William McNall, John Lawson, and James Sherrer, 
from Ireland. The progress of the settlement appears to have been 
slow, and the town was not incorporated till 1734. It is bounded n. 
by the Massachusetts line, w. by Stafford, e. by Woodstock, and s. by 
Ash ford. Its length is between five and six miles from north to south, 
and its breadth averages about the same distance. The central part of 
the town is about 33 miles northeasterly from Hartford. 

"The surface of this town is broken, being hilly and rocky, and the 
soil generally unproductive. Mashapaug pond in this town is a beau- 
tiful expanse of water, and covers an area of about 800 acres. The 
population of Union in 1830 was seven hundred and eleven. "This 
town," says Pease and Niles's Gazetteer, " furnishes a striking example 



VERNON. 



557 



of the inequality and injustice of the principle of representation in this 
state, and of the prevalence of the ' borough system' of England. 
Union, with a population of 752, and with a list of 17,000 dollars, 
has an equal representation with New Haven, which has a population 
of more than 7,000, and a list of ^ 33,000 dollars; having more than 
nine times the inhabitants of Union, and paying nearly eight times the 
amount of taxes; and upon a more just principle of taxation, the dif- 
ference in this respect would be more conspicuous." 



VERNON 




Southwestern vieiv of Vernon, (central part.) 

This town was first settled by persons from East Windsor, in 1716. 
It was originally a parish formed from East Windsor and Bolton, called 
North Bolton. It was incorporated a town in 1808. It is bounded n. 
by Ellington, w. by East Windsor and Manchester, e. by Tolland and 
Coventry, and s. by Bolton. The town is about 5 miles in length and 
upwards of 3£ in breadth. The greater part of the town is uneven, 
being agreeably diversified by hill and dale. The soil is generally a 
gravelly loam, somewhat stony, yet considerably fertile. The eastern 
part of the township is crossed by a range of mountains, which is the 
eastern boundary of the great valley of the Connecticut. The most 
considerable streams are the Hockanum and Tankerooson, which sup- 
ply water to several mills and factories. A cotton manufactory, for a 
long time the only successful one established in Connecticut, was erect- 
ed in the western part of this town by Mr. Warburton, an Englishman. 
The manufacturing business is carried on in this town to a considerable 
extent. There are 4 cotton mills or factories, and 6 or 8 satinet fac- 
tories, now in operation, and 1 paper mill. Rock village is about 1 
mile below Snipsic pond and 14 from Hartford ; it contains 6 satinet 
factories and 1 paper mill. Tankerooson, the cotton manufacturing vil- 
lage, is about 10 miles east from Hartford. 



558 WILLINGTON. 

The cut on the preceding page is a western view of the Congrega- 
tional church in Vernon, and other buildings in the vicinity, 12 miles 
from Hartford. The first meeting house in the town was upwards of 
half a mile east, on the summit of a hill. The Rev. Ebenezer Kellog 
was the first minister in the place. The following is the inscription on 
his monument in the ancient burying ground. 

Rev. Ebenezer Kellog, died Sept. 3d, 1817, in the 81st year of his age and 55th year 
of his ministry in this place. 

In yonder sacred house he spent his breath, 
Now silent, senseless, here he sleeps in death, 
These lips attain shall wake, and then declare 
A loud Amen, to truths they published there. 



WILLINGTON 



The township of Willington was sold and granted by the Governor 
and company for five hundred and ten pounds, to the following gentle- 
men : Roger Wolcott, Esq. of Windsor, John Burr of Fairfield, John 
Riggs of Derby, Samuel Gunn' and George Clark' of Milford, John 
Stone and Peter Pratt of Hartford, and Ebenezer Fitch. This sale 
took place in 1720. A few families had settled on the lands in this 
town previous to this time. " The settlers were from various parts of 
New England, and they moved on to the land one after another in a 
very scattering manner. The first minister settled in the town was the 
Rev. Daniel Fuller, who was ordained in 1728. 

Willington is bounded n. by Stafford, w. by the Willimantic river, 
which divides it from Tolland, e. by Ashford, and s. by Mansfield. It 
is upwards of seven miles in length from north to south, and four and a 
half miles in breadth. The surface of this town is hilly and broken, 
abounding with stone. The summits of the mountains and hills are 
generally covered with granite and other rocks. Iron ore to some ex- 
tent has been found in this town. The central part of the town is 
about 24 miles easterly from Hartford. 



Willington, June, 17S4. 
Whereas of late years, there has been advanced for a certainty, by a quack Doctor, 
a foreigner, that a certain cure may be had for consumption, where any of the same 
family had before time died with the same disease ; directing to have the bodies of 
such as had died to be dug up, and further said that out of the breast or vitals might 
be found a sprout or vine fresh and growing, which together with the remains of the 
vitals, being consumed in tire, would be an effectual cure to the same family: — and 
such directions so far gained credit, that in one instance the experiment was thor- 
oughly made in Willington. On the first day of June instant, two bodies were dag 
up which belonged to the family of Mr. Isaac Johnson of that place; they both died 
with the consumption. One had been buried one year and eleven months, the other 
one year, a third of the family then sick. On full examination of the then small re- 
mains by two doctors then present, viz. Doctors Grant and West, not the least discov- 
ery could be made ; and to prevent misrepresentations of the facts, I being an eye wit- 
ness, confess that under the coffin were sundry small sprouts, about an inch in length, 
then fresh, but most likely they were the produce of sorrel seeds which fell under the 
coffin when put in the earth ; and that the bodies of the dead may rest quiet in their 
graves without interruption, I think the public ought to beware of being led away by 
such an impostor. Moses Holmes. 



559 



APPENDIX. 



[The following account, respecting a tribe of Indians who formerly resided in Glastenbury, was fur- 
nished by Gideon Welles, Esq. to whose, politeness the author is also indebted for other facts relating 
to the history of his native town] 

Tradition tells of a brave tribe of aborigines which occupied a position a little south 
of the center of the town, known by the name of the Red Hill Indians. They were a 
branch of the Pequots, and between them and the Mohawks there were unsparing and 
relentless hostilities. The Red Hills had a fort on a very precipitous hill, which was 
strongly fortified on the east, but towards the river, on the west, the besieged relied 
principally on large logs and stones, which they rolled down upon their enemies, if 
they attempted to ascend the eminence. 

Spies and friendly Indians informed the Red Hills of the advance of their enemies, 
who immediately gathered their women and children within the fort; and, on several 
occasions made a gallant defense, — repelling the Mohawks with great loss. At length 
the Mohawks, whose numbers far exceeded those of the Red Hills, and who had usu- 
ally made their most desperate effort by trying to ascend the hill, resorted to stratagem. 

Word came to the Red Hills that the " Mohawks were coming," and they hastily 
gathered their little tribe within the fort. But the Mohawks did not make their ap- 
pearance, and after waiting for some time in vain, the Red Hills despatched a small 
number up the river, for the purpose of reconnoitering. Near the upper part of East 
Windsor or Enfield, the part}' struck upon a trail, which they followed in a soulheast- 
erly direction until they came to the head waters of Roaring Brook, near Minachaug 
mountain. Here all traces ceased, — no trail, nor track, nor scent, could be found. 

Subsequent events showed that the Mohawks had at this place entered the stream, 
and, that they might not be traced, had waded down the entire distance to near the 
mouth, where were the fort and village of the Red Hills. The scheme was success- 
ful. The hapless Red Hills were surprised, and experienced more than savage ven- 
geance. The Mohawks spared not one of the race. This horrid butchery is said to 
have taken place about the period when the first settlers emigrated to Connecticut. 
Although the whites had no part in this tragedy, the bloody legend was remembered 
and told, and the froward child was often subdued by the terrific exclamation, "the 
Mohawks are coming." 



[For the following account of Chaplin the author is indebted to Walter Goodell, Esq. of Chaplin : it 
was not received in time to have it inserted in its regular place.] 

CHAPLIN. 

Chaplin, a small township in the westerly part of Windham County, was formed 
from the towns of Mansfield, Hampton, and a small section of the town of Windham. 
It is bounded n. by Ashford, e. by Hampton, s. by Windham, and w. by Mansfield. 
The principal part of the township, however, was included in the limits of Mansfield. 
It is five and a half miles in length from north to south, and averages about three and 
a half in width, containing about nineteen square miles. 

Among the original settlers in the easterly section of said Mansfield, was Deacon Benjamin Chap- 
lin, who removed from that part of the town of Hampton which formerly belonged to Fomfret, and 
located himself near where the meeting house now stands, in the present town of Chaplin. To his en- 
ergetic efforts, in a great measure, was owing the formation of a society here, which was incorpoi ated 
by the Legislature in 1809, ami called Chaplin, after the name of its friend and benefactor. In 1S22, 
this society obtained an act of incorporation, as a town, by its present name. A church was formed 
here, May 31st, 1810, with whom the Rev. David Avery labored as an evangelist some length of time ; 
but it remained without any settled minister until the year 1820, when the Rev. Jared Andrus was or- 
dained as pastor, December 27th. 

His ministry continued ten years, when he was dismissed in consequence of some dissatisfaction 
among the people of his charge. His successor, the Rev. Lent S. Hough, was ordained August 17th, 
1831, and continued as stated pastor till December 20th, 1836, when he was dismissed in compliance 
witli his previous request. The ecclesiastical society here have a permanent fund, amounting to 
555,000, secured by bond and mortgage, the interest of which is annually appropriated "toward the 
support of the gospel ministry." Among tie' principal donors of this fund, was Deacon Benjamin 
Chaplin, who contributed the sum of 300/. and by other individual subscriptions it was increased to the 
sum before mentioned. In works of benevolence and charity, Deacon Chaplin was ever found 
among the foremost of his day. He was an economist of the "old school," and the strict attention with 



560 APPENDIX. 

which he managed his farm and nil his domestic concerns, enabled him to accumulate wealth rapidly, 
and to add yearly to his possessions, until he became the owner at one time of 3,000 acres of land, in- 
cluding a very considerable part of the town which now bears his name. 

Then was likewise another large territory, mostly wood land, lying chiefly within the limits of this 
town, and which formerly belonged to the "Welles family," at present in the care of the Hon. John 
Welles, of Boston, Mass. Within a few years past, however, this land has nearly all been taken up, 
and is now under good cultivation. 

The town of Chaplin is intersected by the Natchaug river, a never failing stream of 
■water, which passes through it diagonally from the northeast to the southwest. On 
this stream are many valuable mill seats and eligible sites for factories or water works 
of any description. The surface of the town is generally uneven, with a soil consid- 
erably strong and fertile, particularly in the valley of the Natchaug, where may be 
found as good land as in any part of the state. The principal village is located near 
the center of the town, on the west side and within a short distance of the river, upon 
a small elevation of land, and consists of about 30 dwelling houses, a Congregational 
meeting house, school house, post office, 3 mercantile stores, 1 jeweller's shop, 1 tav- 
ern, 1 hat factory, and a number of shoemaker's shops, all situated on one street, of 
more than a mile in extent. The distance from Brooklyn, the county seat, is 11 miles, 
from Norwich 22 miles, and from Hartford 33 miles. Great attention is paid in this 
town, as well as in the adjoining town of Mansfield, to the culture of silk. About 
1,200 lbs. of the raw material are annually produced here, which would bring, when 
wrought into sewings, $9,500. The labor of rearing the worms, reeling and spinning 
the silk, and preparing it for market, is wholly performed by females, who make it 
quite a lucrative business. About 40 hands are also employed in the manufacture of 
calfskin boots and brogans, who turn out work annually to the amount of $30,000. 
There are likewise in this town 2 grist mills, 5 saw mills, and 3 shingle mills, from 
which more than $12,000 worth of oak and chestnut lumber is sold yearly. A card- 
ing machine and clothier's establishment are also doing a respectable business. Dur- 
ing the year 1835, the Messrs. Lyons of Boston purchased a site on the Natchaug riv- 
er, half a mile south of the village, and erected a paper mill, upon an extensive scale, 
with 4 run of engines, where they manufacture paper, principally for the New York 
market, to the amount of $65,000 annually. Owing to the rapid descent of the water 
near these mills, some of the finest privileges are here to be found for manufacturing 
purposes of any in the state. A county road passes north and south through the town, 
adjacent to the river, on which a tri-weekly mail is carried, connecting with the Hart- 
ford and Providence stages at Ashford and Windham. In the summer season the 
wild scenery of nature, which meets the eye of the traveler in passing up and down 
on this route, winding his way along the banks of the Natchaug, is delightfully ro- 
mantic. The present population of Chaplin is about 1,000. 



The following is the inscription copied from the monument in memory of Deacon 
Chaplin. 

Deacon Benjamin Chaplin, that Friend of Man, that supporter of the State, that ornament of the 
Church, who. having witnessed a good Confession for the doctrines of grace, for the purity and per- 
petuity of public worship, a faithful steward of bis Lord's goods, provided liberally in his last will and 
testament towards a permanent fund for the maintenance of the Gospel ministry, and, after he had 
served his own generation, by the will of God, fell on sleep, March 25th, 179§, in the 76lh year of his 
age. 

'Tis but a moment hounds our latest breath, 

A span hath well describ'd the narrow space, 

O ! be it thine, that read'st, to think of death, 

Be it thy prayer to Know the Savior's grace : 

For soon the Archangel's trump will rend the air, 

The dead shall hear, and hearing, all shall rise, 

All that have died shall in that summons share, 

And stand before the dread tribunal of the skies. 
But, oh ! how different their hopes and fears! 

Description cannot paint the awful day ! 
For some will rise to pain of endless years, 

Darkness and woe, without, one cheering ray. 
But rising saints will lift their joyful eyes, 

Will see the earth depart, and all terrestrial good, 
Will then be blest, and mount above the skies, 
To dwell within the mansions of their God. 

























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